What Is Naltrexone Made From?

Naltrexone is available as naltrexone hydrochloride, a tablet, or as an injectable suspension. It is used for treatment of individuals suffering from alcoholism and those addicted to intravenously administered opiates such as heroine.

Ingredients

• According to the FDA, naltrexone tablets contain 50 mg of the active ingredient naltrexone hydrochloride. Inactive ingredients are crosprovidone, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, silicone dioxide, titanium dioxide, ferric oxide yellow and ferric oxide red.

Oral Route

• Naltrexone hydrochloride tablets are available only in 50 mg doses. Capsule-shape tablets are coated with a yellow film. One side of the tablet is debossed with the number "50"; the other side is debossed with "1170."

Injectable Route

• In October 2010, the injectable version of naltrexone was approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat patients addicted to heroine, morphine and other opioids. Previously, opioid-dependent patients were administered only oral tablets.