Safety of high-dose naltrexone treatment: hepatic transaminase profiles among outpatients.
OBJECTIVE
This study was carried out to test the hypothesis that the hepatic safety profile of prolonged high-dose oral naltrexone (150 mg/d) is acceptable if over-the-counter analgesic use is restricted.


METHODS
Data from 41 consecutive outpatients with impulse-control disorder receiving naltrexone therapy were analyzed.


RESULTS
The mean treatment duration was 328 days and the mean naltrexone dose was 142 mg/d. Pretherapy/posttherapy mean aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels in the naltrexone-alone group were 21.79/22.54 and 21.74/21.49 U, respectively (all within reference range).


CONCLUSIONS
Although limited in scope, these findings support the hypothesis that long-term use of high-dose oral naltrexone is safe in otherwise healthy patients with impulse-control disorders who restrict their intake of acetaminophen, aspirin, or nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). However, confirming studies are needed.
Kim
Suck Won
SW
Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55454-1495, USA. kimxx003@umn.edu
Grant
Jon E
JE
Yoon
Gihyun
G
Williams
Kyle A
KA
Remmel
Rory P
RP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D000637:Transaminases / Q000097:blood*
D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009271:Naltrexone; D000637:Transaminases; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase