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

Some medications, like naltrexone and buprenorphine, are used specifically to prevent relapse in people trying to recover from opioid use disorder. —Jon Hamilton, NPR, 10 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, 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

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