Addline (Naltrexone) 50 Mg

Addline (Naltrexone) 50 Mg

Introduction

Addline (Naltrexone) 50 mg is the brand of a drug prescribed for the treatment of alcohol dependence and opioid dependence. It contains the main substance – Naltrexone Hydrochloride, which is known to be the opioid antagonist. Naltrexone does not induce any opioid intoxication and therefore cannot be considered as having any addictive features. In case of alcohol dependence, the drug is to be used in combination with counselling, behavioral treatment, and other means of therapy. Official prescribing information of the oral form of naltrexone describes 50 mg tablets and approves the drug as a part of appropriate addiction-treatment therapy.

Individuals looking for a particular naltrexone brand name will find different brands and dosage forms, depending on the region and manufacturer. Prescribed medication, its form, and a therapy regime should always be double-checked.

What is Addline (Naltrexone) 50 mg

Addline contains naltrexone hydrochloride, the opioid receptor antagonist. Addline 50mg is a tablet containing 50 mg of naltrexone hydrochloride.

Naltrexone can be included in therapy of alcohol dependence and opioid dependence. In case of alcohol dependence, it may be helpful in the reduction of the risk of relapse and alcohol craving. When the issue of opioid dependence is concerned, a patient should be adequately opioid free, otherwise the treatment with Naltrexone is contraindicated because in the presence of opioids the treatment of Naltrexone may lead to precipitated withdrawal syndrome.

How It Works

Naltrexone is the competitive blocker of the opioid receptors. After binding to the opioid receptors, the substance blocks their function and therefore it prevents externally-administered opioids from causing their usual activity. The blocking properties of naltrexone at opioid receptors also help it in the treatment of alcohol dependence. However, the connection between the opioid-receptor blocking and alcohol-related behavior is complicated and has not yet been fully disclosed.

Contrary to opioid substances, naltrexone does not cause the process of opioid intoxication. Furthermore, the regular use of the drug does not cause physical dependence.

Why It Is Prescribed

Naltrexone for alcohol dependence is usually prescribed as the component of the treatment program which aims to reduce the possibility of relapses and support the maintenance of abstinence and reduction of craving for alcohol. The naltrexone alcohol dependency treatment should go along with psychological or behavioural treatment.

Naltrexone can be also prescribed in the course of the program after the detoxification treatment of opioid dependence in order to reduce the effects of further consumption of opioids. Before such treatment, individuals have to pass the sufficient period when they are free from opioids.

Phrase naltrexone for pain usually designates off-label treatment including usage of low dose naltrexone. This kind of therapy is not the same as the 50 mg addiction-treatment and should not be mixed with the indications and usage of approved oral naltrexone dosage form.

How to Take This Medication

Individuals who were prescribed naltrexone therapy should take Addline in accordance with the regime prescribed by a healthcare professional. It includes removing of the tablet from the special packaging and swallowing of the tablet with water. Instructions of manufacturers for the 50 mg tablets state oral form of administration with liquid.

It is also crucial to strictly follow the schedule of administration of the tablet and try to keep it steady. Never change, add, or reduce the dose on your own.

Of course, never take opioids while you are on naltrexone treatment unless it was ordered specifically by healthcare professionals. These drugs include not only prescription painkillers, but opioid-containing cough or diarrhea treatments too.

How It Works Inside the Body

Upon oral administration, naltrexone is rapidly and extensively absorbed from gastrointestinal tract. In the liver, it undergoes first-pass effect and forms the active metabolite called 6-beta-naltrexol. Subsequently, naltrexone and its metabolites are excreted via kidneys.

By occupying opioid receptors, naltrexone prevents opioids from activation of those receptors and blocks their activity. Receptor blocking is the key property of naltrexone.

Dosage Explanation

The generally accepted adult naltrexone dosage for alcohol dependence is 50 mg one time a day. According to the approved manufacturer's SmPC for alcohol-dependence therapy, the dose of 50 mg per day is to be administered to the adults.

Regime of treatment in case of opioid dependence may be different – the clinician has to assess the opioid-free status of a patient before starting naltrexone therapy. Alternative dosing regimes might also be prescribed, if necessary.

Routine safety and effectiveness of the treatment have not been established for the patients younger than 18 years old. The prescribing information for naltrexone of the manufacturer mentions the lack of recommendation for the use of naltrexone in children and adolescents under 18 years. Consequently, there is no recommended dosage that parents can determine on their own for children under 12.

What to Expect During Treatment

Patients should not expect Addline to produce any immediate intoxicating or sedative therapeutic effect. In the treatment of alcohol dependence, its aim is to support the reduced cravings and maintenance of abstinence from alcohol, together with behavioural treatment.

People who suffered from opioid dependence have to understand that the drug reduces the effects of opioids. Trying to overcome that effect by taking more opioids can be very dangerous.

Regular visits to the healthcare professional are required to monitor the progress of the therapy.

Side Effects

Common or moderate side effects that may accompany the administration of the oral naltrexone include:

• Nausea or vomiting: Discomfort of the gastrointestinal tract can happen.
• Abdominal pain: Individuals may also suffer from the abdominal discomfort.
• Headache: One of the commonly reported effects is headache.
• Nervousness or anxiety: Some people feel the transient nervousness.
• Problems with falling asleep: Sometimes insomnia occurs.
• Dizziness: Mild form of that symptom may happen too.

Symptoms vary from one individual to another. In case of persistent or bothersome side effects, individuals should address the healthcare professional who prescribes Addline.

Drug Interactions

It is vital to know about possible naltrexone interactions with other medicines for the naltrexone. Because the mechanism of its action is to occupy opioid receptors, some kinds of opioid-containing medicines may interfere with naltrexone therapy.

Before the start of Addline administration, a patient has to give to his or her doctor a complete list of medicines which includes prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbal products, and supplements.

With regard to naltrexone and alcohol, naltrexone does not cause the similar alcohol-aversion effects that are induced by the drug disulfiram. However, drinking alcohol is not the good idea while undergoing an alcohol-dependence treatment program.

Addline vs Alternative Treatments

If we compare naltrexone vs naloxone, the aim of those drugs differs. Naloxone vs naltrexone involves drugs with different aims. Naloxone is the short-acting opioid antagonists, and it is usually used to reverse acute opioid intoxication. Naltrexone causes the prolonged blockage of opioid receptors and it is used in treatment.

Another alternative treatment to Addline is the treatment with the help of acamprosate, which provides abstinence from alcohol through another pharmacological pathway.

Combination of naltrexone and bupropion is also available in the separate prescription preparation used for chronic weight management. This is also related to searches for naltrexone weight loss.

Precautions and Warnings

People who take Addline should disclose their current or recently used opioid status to their healthcare professional. Taking of the Addline should not be started in patients who are still currently dependent on opioids because of the possible precipitated withdrawal.

Healthcare professional should consider the problems with liver and kidney functions before prescribing this preparation and monitor the liver function before and during the therapy.

Individuals have to inform their doctors and other healthcare professionals that they are taking the drug before any surgery, emergency treatment or treatment of the serious pain condition because of the interference with opioids.

Cost and Affordability

Cost of Addline can vary due to manufacturer, number of tablets, and location. Generics of naltrexone hydrochloride are also sold with various prices.

Patients who are interested in purchasing of Addline can check the online catalogues and prices of Grant Pharmacy for Addline and buy the preparation from the web site when it is legal in that country and in possession of valid prescription. Comparing of the prescribed strength and amount should be conducted prior to ordering.

Tips for Achieving Better Results

Patients have to take Addline according to the schedule and visit their medical specialists routinely. They also have to continue the prescribed behavioral or psychological treatment.

Individuals have to provide the up-to-date list of medicines which should be known to healthcare professionals if any serious pain treatment is needed. Never try to overcome the blockage of opioid receptors by naltrexone by taking larger doses of opioids.

Storage Instruction

The storage instruction of Addline depends on its manufacturer. In the current label of naltrexone hydrochloride 50 mg prepared by U.S. manufacturers, it states storing of the preparation at 20°C to 25°C, with permitted variations within 15° to 30°, in the tight container.

Never store the preparation anywhere else except for the place which is intended for it and keep it properly labeled. Do not use tablets after their expiry date.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Addline 50mg used for?

Addline 50mg contains the opioid receptor antagonist – naltrexone hydrochloride. This preparation can be used for the treatment of alcohol or opioid dependence. Therapy has to include the treatment, monitoring, and other means of therapy.

2. How does naltrexone alcohol treatment work?

In the process of naltrexone alcohol treatment, naltrexone blocks opioid receptors involved in alcohol's effects. The treatment with naltrexone helps reduce craving and prevents relapses.

3. Can I drink alcohol while taking naltrexone?

In question about naltrexone and alcohol, it is important to mention that the drug does not cause any alcohol-aversion effect like disulfiram. Still, drinking works against the goal of the program, and it is advisable to follow the prescribed alcohol-reduction program.

4. What is the common naltrexone dose for alcohol dependence?

In case of oral treatment of alcohol dependence in adults, a commonly recommended dose is 50 mg one time a day. Nevertheless, individual therapy may be different, thus following the prescribing instructions is the best choice.

7. How should Addline be stored?

According to the storage directions of the particular product, Addline should be stored. According to the storage directions of one of the current naltrexone 50 mg product prepared by the U.S. manufacturer, controlled room temperature within the range of 20°C to 25°C is required with permitted variations between 15°C and 30°C.

Conclusion

Addline (Naltrexone) 50 mg is a preparation containing Naltrexone Hydrochloride, an opioid receptor antagonist, which is used in comprehensive therapy of alcohol and opioid dependence. The commonly accepted adult dose of oral form is 50 mg one time a day.

Medically reviewed by the Grant Pharmacy Pharmacists Medical Team

Medical References

DailyMed – Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablets, USP 50 mg
https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5f188bdc-2009-43aa-ad32-f06dbfac2642

DailyMed – Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablets, USP 50 mg (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries)
https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0f30f885-d0cd-4fa6-a8e0-142f08a56792

Official Manufacturer Information – Adepend 50 mg Film-Coated Tablets, Summary of Product Characteristics
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3559/smpc

Official Manufacturer Information – Naltrexone Hydrochloride 50 mg Film-Coated Tablets, Summary of Product Characteristics
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/8968/smpc