Opioid antagonists (centrally active)
- Block central opioid receptors
- Naloxone: rapid overdose reversal
- Naltrexone: OUD/AUD relapse prevention
- Nalmefene has prolonged antagonist action
- Can precipitate abrupt withdrawal
- Naltrexone requires opioid-free interval
- No analgesia while receptor blockade is active
Class at a glance
- Block central opioid receptors
Members / distinctions
- Naloxone: rapid overdose reversal
- Naltrexone: OUD/AUD relapse prevention
Pharmacology
- Nalmefene has prolonged antagonist action
- No analgesia while receptor blockade is active
Practical pearls
- Naltrexone requires opioid-free interval
Other practical pearls
- Can precipitate abrupt withdrawal
Self-check
- What is the main pharmacologic action of Opioid antagonists (centrally active)?
Block central opioid receptors.
- What clinically distinguishes Nalmefene within Opioid antagonists (centrally active)?
prolonged antagonist action.
Drugs in this class (4)
All drug classes · Open the interactive console ↗
