What it means
An opioid antagonistOH-pee-oyd an-TAG-uh-nistA drug that blocks opioid receptors, stopping or reversing the effects of opioids.Full entry that blocks opioid receptors, so opioids have little effect and drinking alcohol feels less rewarding. It is taken as a daily tablet or a monthly injection into the buttock. A person must be free of opioids for about 7 to 10 days before starting, or it will bring on sudden withdrawal. Unlike naloxonenuh-LOK-sohnA drug that blocks the effects of opioids at their receptors.Full entry , it is not used to reverse an overdose.
For the nurse
Teach the client that opioid pain medicines will not work well while on it, to carry a card or bracelet saying they take it, and that trying to overcome the block with large opioid doses can be fatal. After stopping it, their opioid tolerance is lower, which raises overdose risk. Liver tests may be checked.
At a glance
| Drug class | opioid antagonist |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Vivitrol, ReVia |
| Spanish | naltrexona |
| Also written | Vivitrol, ReVia |
Related terms
withdrawal
The physical and mental symptoms that occur when a person stops or cuts down a substance the body has come to depend on.
naloxone
A drug that blocks the effects of opioids at their receptors.
opioid antagonist
A drug that blocks opioid receptors, stopping or reversing the effects of opioids.