How Long Does Naltrexone Stay in Your System?

Naltrexone was first synthesized in 1963 and was patented by Endo Laboratories in 1967. Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist, which means it prevents opioids from acting in the brain. It comes in a variety of forms, including oral pills, extended-release injectables, and implants. Naltrexone’s primary purpose is to diminish cravings and avoid the rewarding consequences of opiate and alcohol usage. Let’s look into How long does Naltrexone stay in your system. 

Have you taken Naltrexone but do not know how long does naltrexone stay in your system? Contact ChoicePoint’s DEA-certified practitioners at 844.445.2565. 

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A Quick Breakdown of How the Body Metabolizes Naltrexone

Did you know that the liver processes Naltrexone? The pieces your body can’t use may be processed by your liver and excreted. Understanding a drug’s half-life reveals how long it takes your body to eliminate half of the dose. This is what happens when Naltrexone enters your body: 

1. Absorption- When taken orally, naltrexone is fast and completely absorbed.
2. Liver Processing- The liver processes and breaks down naltrexone considerably during its initial trip in the body.
3. Half-Life-Naltrexone has a half-life of around 3.9 to 10.3 hours, indicating how long it takes half of the substance to be removed.
4. Terminal Elimination- It takes approximately 96 hours after absorption for 50% of the residual naltrexone to be entirely removed from the body.

It is observed people who take Naltrexone may experience increased sensitivity to the effects of alcohol. This means they may feel more intoxicated with smaller amounts of alcohol, potentially influencing drinking behavior.

How Long Does Naltrexone Stay in Your System?

Naltrexone is used for the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder(AUD) and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Naltrexone, approved by the FDA in 1984, is a prescription medication available as Vivitrol (injection) or ReVia (pill). Its most prominent use is to: 

• block the opioid receptors
• reduce the intoxicating effects of alcohol or opioids
• overcome drug cravings

Are you an individual who is considering or undergoing this treatment and may be wondering about how long does Naltrexone stay in your system? Here is a brief outlook on the duration of Naltrexone in your body:

1. When taken orally, the effects of naltrexone persist between 24 and 72 hours. 
2. Naltrexone injections have a longer duration of action, lasting roughly a month.
3. Naltrexone may be detected in the bloodstream for up to 20 hours, and its metabolite (6-beta-Naltrexol) for up to 78 hours.

Below is a brief outlook on how long does Naltrexone stay in various body parts:

How Long Does Naltrexone  Stay in Urine?

Naltrexone can be detected in urine for approximately 4-6 hours after intake.

How Long Does Naltrexone  Stay in the Blood?

In the blood, the presence of naltrexone can be shown within 24 hours of consuming it.

How Long Does Naltrexone  Stay in Saliva?

Human saliva can detect Naltrexone for up to one day. 

How Long Does Naltrexone  Stay in Your Hair?

Traces of Naltrexone can be found in hair follicles for up to 90 days.

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Naltrexone Use in Addiction Treatment

Factors Influencing How Long Does Naltrexone Stay In Your System

Several factors determine the duration of Naltrexone in the system, including formulation, metabolism, dosage, and individual variability. Let’s understand these characteristics as they are critical for patients and healthcare practitioners who prescribe the medicine. Adherence to prescribed dosages may maximize Naltrexone’s advantages in the treatment of alcohol and opioid addictions. As with any medicine, individuals are recommended to speak with their healthcare providers for personalized advice on Naltrexone treatment and its stay in their system.

Key Factors that Impact How Naltrexone Works in Your Body

Several factors influence how long Naltrexone remains active in the body, including: 

Genetic Factors

The effects of Naltrexone also depend on a specific gene mutation, the G allele of OPRM1. It is more successful in people who have this gene. White patients with the G allele have a fivefold increase in naltrexone efficacy. This gene variation is more common in Asians, with 60-70% carriers compared to 30% in Europeans and Indians.

Age

It should be noted here that age matters when taking Naltrexone. When compared to younger people, older people take longer to clear drugs from their systems as compared to younger people.

Weight

The effect of Naltrexone dosage also depends on the person’s weight. Therefore, using medications per the doctor’s verdict is highly recommended. 

Formulation

Oral tablets, extended-release injectables, or implants greatly impact how long Naltrexone stays in your system.

Prescribed Dosage

Higher dosages may take longer to get out of the system than lower dosages of Naltrexone. Consequently, the prescribed dosage is essential in determining the duration of naltrexone’s presence in the body.

Liver Condition

The liver metabolizes naltrexone. An underlying organ ailment may make it more difficult for your body to process the drug. The efficiency of liver function is crucial in determining how quickly Naltrexone is metabolized and eliminated from the body.

Frequency of Use

Regular use of Naltrexone may contribute to a steady presence in the system. This may result in affecting the overall duration of Naltrexone in the body.

Co-occurring Conditions

Co-occurring conditions may also influence how the body processes and retains Naltrexone.

Overall Health Status

The immune system and overall physiological condition greatly impact the duration of Naltrexone in the body.

Did you know that when Naltrexone enters your bloodstream, it nullifies the state of hangover in your brain? Contact ChoicePoint if you or a loved one is struggling with Naltrexone addiction. Call now at 844.445.2565. 

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Administering Naltrexone for Addiction

Naltrexone has a low tendency to be abused by its users. However, using Naltrexone too close to the last Opiate use may prove to be harmful. To minimize serious consequences, people should wait at least 10 days after their last opiate use. Naltrexone is primarily used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. It is administered to individuals struggling with addiction to the following commonly abused substances:

• Alcohol
• Heroin
• Morphine 
• Oxycodone
• Hydrocodone 
• Fentanyl
• Prescription painkillers

Did you know 83% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 11% reported a negative experience?

5 Benefits of Naltrexone Use in MAT Programs

1. MAT programs incorporating Naltrexone have seen an upward trend. This reflects a growing recognition of its effectiveness in managing opioid and alcohol use disorders.
2. Studies indicate that individuals using Naltrexone as part of an addiction treatment plan experience lower rates of opioid relapse. 
3. Naltrexone has shown efficacy in reducing alcohol cravings and promoting abstinence. It also contributes to positive outcomes for individuals with alcohol use disorder.
4. MAT programs involving Naltrexone have been reported to improve treatment adherence, potentially leading to more successful long-term recovery.
5. Implementation of Naltrexone in correctional facilities as part of comprehensive treatment strategies has shown promise in reducing habitual relapse into criminal activities.

If you are looking for help with Alcohol or Opioid addiction, contact 844.445.2565 or fill out this form to get more information on the treatments.

Wrapping Up- How Long Does Naltrexone Stay in Your System

Before patients seek Naltrexone treatment, it is essential to understand how long does Naltrexone stay in your system. Any medication is beneficial as long as it is taken exactly as prescribed. If Naltrexone is taken in heavy dosages or in an unadvised manner, it may cause dependence. Seeking timely treatment is the key to a healthy life. 

One of our patients told us that, ‘after taking the prescribed dosage of Naltrexone, I now do not even like the taste of alcohol in my mouth!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Naltrexone Duration

Here are the top 6 most asked questions about how long does Naltrexone stay in your system:

Is Naltrexone Effective on the First Day of Prescription?

Yes! Naltrexone may begin to function on the very first day of prescription. It takes an hour or two to begin working in your system, whether taken orally or intravenously.

How Long Does Naltrexone Stay in Your System to Prevent Alcohol and Opioid Cravings?

It normally takes Naltrexone one day for the oral formulation and around one month for the injectable variant(Vivitrol) to prevent cravings. The craving reduction from naltrexone lasts as long as the effects do.

What Should I Avoid When Using Naltrexone?

It is advised not to mix naltrexone with anything. Avoid using the following while on Naltrexone:

• Illicit narcotics
• alcohol
• some prescription medications

What is the Half-life of Naltrexone in the Body?

The body quickly absorbs naltrexone after taking it orally. However, before it reaches the rest of your body, your liver processes and breaks down. Naltrexone remains in your system for from 3.9 to 10.3 hours, and it takes approximately 96 hours for half to be entirely cleared from your body.

What is the Daily Limit for Naltrexone?

For alcohol use disorder, naltrexone may be used orally in the following doses:  

• 50 mg once daily
• 100 mg every other day 
• 150 mg every third day
• 380 mg injection depot form once a month

What Happens if You Forget to Take Naltrexone?

A missed dose can be taken the next day when the patient remembers. It is best to consult your healthcare provider in case of a missed dose.