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

This is more than double the 14% reduction that the same study found with naltrexone, which was the best-performing medication approved for treatment of alcohol use disorder in that analysis. —Ziyad Al-Aly, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2026

This is more than double the 14% reduction that the same study found with naltrexone, which was the best-performing medication approved for treatment of alcohol use disorder in that analysis. —Ziyad Al-Aly, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2026

Research shows that the most effective ways to help someone end their addiction to alcohol often includes a combination of approaches like behavioral therapies, medications such as naltrexone or disulfiram, and a support system like 12-step programs. —Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026

The prescription opioid pill, called naltrexone, was first approved by the FDA to treat opioid dependence in 1984. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026

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