AI Article Synopsis
- Nalmefene and naltrexone, both opioid antagonists, are used to help treat alcoholism, with nalmefene specifically approved in Europe for reducing alcohol intake in dependent patients.
- There have been reported cases of opioid withdrawal syndrome in patients receiving nalmefene, particularly those who were also using opioids like methadone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, or loperamide.
- Nalmefene's dual role as a partial agonist and antagonist means it should not be used in those on opioid treatments, necessitating caution from healthcare professionals regarding any potential opioid use.
Article Abstract
Opioid antagonists such as naltrexone and nalmefene are used in drug therapy for alcoholism. Nalmefene, approved in Europe in February 2013 for the reduction of alcohol consumption, is used in patients with alcohol dependence. We report 11 cases of opioid withdrawal syndrome after a single dose of nalmefene in patients usually treated with methadone, buprenorphine, but also with fentanyl or loperamide. Nalmefene is both a partial agonist and an antagonist of opioid receptors. Regarding to its opioid antagonist activity, nalmefene is contraindicated in patients with an opioid treatment. Therefore, when prescribing or delivering nalmefene, healthcare professionals need to be vigilant about any type of opioid exposure, even masked or hidden, to avoid these potential life-threatening syndromes.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/fcp.12286 | DOI Listing |
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