naltrexone

noun

nal·​trex·​one nal-ˈtrek-ˌsōn 

: a synthetic opiate antagonist C₂₀H₂₃NO₄ administered in the form of its hydrochloride

Examples of naltrexone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Everyone has the right to their own solution The truth is that there is no silver bullet — neither AA nor naltrexone nor anything else. —Jonathan Hunt-Glassman, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2025

Medications may include antidepressants, commonly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and the opioid antagonist naltrexone. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 9 July 2025

These medications include methadone, buprenorphine and extended-release naltrexone. —Katherine Lemasters, The Conversation, 13 June 2025

For example, naltrexone, a medication used to reduce cravings and relapse in alcohol and opioid use disorders, is mostly effective for those with a specific genetic variant that is rare among individuals of African descent, and more common in those with European ancestry. —Samantha N. Melendez, Denver Post, 5 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

N-allyl + trex- (as in methotrexate) + -one

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

naltrexone

noun

nal·​trex·​one nal-ˈtrek-ˌsōn 

: a synthetic opiate antagonist administered especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₂₀H₂₃NO₄·HCl to maintain a drug-free state in detoxified opiate-dependent patients or to maintain abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients