Naltrexone Tablets for Alcohol Use Disorder

Naltrexone is a prescription medicine used to support recovery from alcohol dependence and to prevent relapse after opioid detoxification. It blocks opioid receptors, which can reduce the rewarding effects of alcohol and opioids. This page helps you review uses, dosing basics, safety information, and how to access tablets through Border Free Health.

What Naltrexone Is and How It Works

Naltrexone® is an opioid receptor antagonist. It attaches to mu-opioid receptors and prevents opioids from activating them. By blocking those pathways, the treatment can reduce the reinforcing effects of drinking and the response to opioids. This can support counseling and behavioral programs. US shipping from Canada is available for eligible prescriptions, including cash-pay orders without insurance. Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

For alcohol dependence, this medicine may help reduce heavy-drinking days when used with a structured program. For opioid relapse prevention, it should only be started after a sufficient opioid-free interval to avoid withdrawal. It does not treat acute withdrawal and is not a substitute for emergency care or inpatient detox.

Learn more about the condition context in our resource on Alcohol Use Disorder.

Who It’s For

This medicine is indicated for adults with alcohol dependence as part of a comprehensive plan that includes counseling. It is also used to maintain abstinence in people with opioid dependence who have completed detoxification and are opioid-free at initiation.

It should not be used by anyone currently taking opioids, in opioid withdrawal, or with a positive opioid screen. People with acute hepatitis, liver failure, or significant liver disease may need alternative options. Discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding, or a history of depression or suicidal thoughts with a clinician.

For opioid care pathways and related therapies, see our page on Opioid Use Disorder.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the official label and your clinician’s instructions. Standard oral dosing for alcohol dependence and for opioid-relapse prevention is often once daily. Many adults take a single tablet with or without food at about the same time each day. Taking it with a small snack may help if nausea occurs. Some programs use observed dosing; your care team will decide.

People transitioning from opioids must be opioid-free for an appropriate period before the first dose to avoid precipitated withdrawal. Carry medical identification indicating that you take an opioid antagonist, and inform any clinician before procedures. Never attempt to override the blockade with opioids. If uncertain about timing, defer to the approved prescribing information.

If your clinician recommends a gradual start or alternate schedules, those choices are individualized and should follow the label. For mental-health support alongside medication, browse our Mental Health category.

Some programs reference Naltrexone 50 mg tablets for daily use. Your prescriber will confirm if this is appropriate for your plan.

Strengths and Forms

Tablets are commonly supplied in a single strength for daily oral dosing. Availability can vary by manufacturer and market. Monthly extended-release injections exist as a separate product and are not interchangeable with the oral tablets without clinical guidance.

• Oral tablets: typical adult presentation for daily use
• Color, imprint, and bottle counts vary by manufacturer
• Extended-release injections: clinic-administered formulation

Generic naltrexone options may be available. Selection depends on your prescription and the dispensing pharmacy.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed tablet. Do not double up to catch up. Consistency matters; discuss reminders or dosing aids with your care team if adherence is challenging.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place. Keep the bottle tightly closed and away from moisture and direct light. Use a child-resistant container and keep out of reach of children and pets. When traveling, keep the labeled bottle in your carry-on, bring a copy of your prescription, and maintain your usual schedule when possible. Time zone changes can be planned with your clinician in advance.

If your product lists a specific storage range, follow it exactly. For products that require special handling, our partners use temperature-controlled handling when required. If you have questions about country-of-origin or sourcing, you can review products marked from Canada.

Benefits

As part of a comprehensive program, this medicine may help reduce the rewarding effects of alcohol and block opioid effects. The once-daily oral schedule can fit many routines. It is not habit-forming and does not cause euphoria. Many programs combine medication with counseling and peer support to address triggers and long-term goals.

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects can include nausea, stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, or sleep changes. Many effects are mild and tend to improve with continued use. Taking the tablet with food may help stomach symptoms.

• Liver-related risks: watch for dark urine, yellowing skin or eyes, or right-upper abdominal pain; report promptly
• Mood changes: new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts require urgent evaluation
• Allergic reactions: rash, swelling, or breathing problems need emergency care

Attempting to overcome the blockade by taking large amounts of opioids can lead to overdose and death. After stopping therapy, opioid tolerance is reduced, which can increase overdose risk if opioids are used again. Keep emergency plans in place and discuss naloxone access with your clinician. For broader safety tips, see Side Effects What To Expect.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Do not use with opioid-containing medicines, including some cough and cold products, antidiarrheals, or pain relievers. Check labels and consult a clinician or pharmacist if uncertain. Caution is advised with other hepatotoxic agents; your prescriber may monitor liver enzymes. Tell every clinician and dentist that you take an opioid antagonist before procedures requiring pain control. If emergency opioid analgesia is necessary, higher monitoring levels may be required in a medical setting.

Weight-loss combinations that include bupropion with an opioid antagonist are different products. For context on that therapy class, you can read Contrave Weight Loss.

What to Expect Over Time

Early weeks may include stomach upset or headache, which often ease with continued use. Many people notice that alcohol has less appeal during structured programs, and cravings may feel more manageable alongside counseling. For opioid relapse prevention, plan regular follow-ups to reassess goals, supports, and any side effects. Adherence and honest communication with your clinician are important to adjust the plan safely.

For emerging research on future pathways supporting recovery, explore our overview on Reducing Opioid Addiction. Findings are early and do not replace approved therapies.

Compare With Alternatives

For alcohol dependence, acamprosate is another approved option that supports abstinence in certain patients. For opioid dependence, maintenance therapies like buprenorphine can be considered after clinical evaluation. Availability varies by condition and prescription.

See two options we carry: Campral® for alcohol dependence support, and Suboxone® for opioid dependence treatment under a clinician’s care. Your prescriber will determine which approach aligns with your history, goals, and safety needs.

Pricing and Access

We leverage Canadian pricing with U.S. fulfilment. You can review current options and compare formulations before placing an order with your valid prescription. Ships from Canada to US messaging applies to eligible items and helps highlight cross-border affordability. Our checkout is secure, and your information is protected with encrypted processing.

If you are evaluating the Naltrexone price, review available manufacturers and bottle sizes on the product page. For seasonal offers, visit our Promotions page. For clinical details and safety, always consult the approved label.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer. If a specific brand, imprint, or count is not available, your pharmacist may dispense a therapeutically equivalent option if permitted by your prescription and local rules. If tablets are temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend an alternative therapy based on your clinical needs. Restock timing can change and is not guaranteed.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates often include adults in a structured recovery plan who are not using opioids and who can attend regular follow-ups. People with active liver disease, current opioid use, or recent opioid exposure may need different care plans. Discuss all medicines, including over-the-counter products and supplements, with your clinician.

• Multi-month fills: ask your prescriber if a longer supply suits your plan
• Refill reminders: set calendar alerts to avoid gaps in therapy
• Program support: combine medication with counseling or peer groups for better structure
• Travel prep: keep labeled bottles and a medication card when you travel

To compare options and place an order through our site, you can review Naltrexone online listings with your prescription. Your clinician can advise on therapy length and follow-up labs if indicated.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Am I opioid-free long enough to start safely?
• How will this medicine fit into my counseling or recovery plan?
• What signs of liver problems should prompt lab checks or a visit?
• What should I do if I need urgent pain control for an injury or surgery?
• Which over-the-counter products should I avoid while taking an opioid antagonist?
• How often should I follow up to reassess benefits and side effects?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed official labeling database

FDA Prescribing Information for approved products

Health Canada DPD drug product database

Ready to proceed? Place your order with your prescription and choose prompt, express shipping. This information is educational and does not replace the advice of your clinician or the official label.