Naltrexone for opioid dependence. An additional tool for general practitioners.

Background: For over two years, naltrexone has been available as a treatment for opioid dependence. It is a useful addition to the limited range of available drug treatments.

Objective: This article outlines the major pharmacological features of naltrexone and provides some guidelines on its use in opioid dependence for general practitioners.

Discussion: In the past, options for GPs in assisting opioid dependent patients have been limited, and referral to alcohol and drug programs has usually been the most practical response. Over the past five years there has been a significant increase in the range of available treatments. One relatively recent addition to the options is the drug naltrexone (Revia) which can be used by the GP with rewarding results if patients are carefully chosen and safety guidelines for the drug are adhered to.