Naltrexone
Also known as: ReVia, Vivitrol
> **Medication Compliance is Key**: It is crucial to follow the exact dosing schedule prescribed by your veterinarian for this medication to be effective. - **Comprehensive Approach**: Medication alone is rarely a cure. Additional **behavior modification techniques** and environmental enrichment are usually required to successfully alleviate your pet's symptoms. - **Administration**: This medication has a very **bitter taste**, which can make giving it to cats particularly challenging. Consider hiding it in a highly palatable treat or placing it inside an empty gelatin capsule. - **What to Watch For**: Some pets may experience mild drowsiness or subtle changes in behavior. Contact your veterinarian if these effects are severe or concerning.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- As adjunctive therapy in behavior disorders
- As adjunctive therapy in behavior disorders (tail chasing or excessive licking)
- As adjunctive therapy in behavior disorders
- As adjunctive therapy in behavior disorders
- For the adjunctive treatment of acral pruritic dermatitis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Drowsiness
- Minor changes in behavior
- Elevated hepatic enzymes (AST, ALT)
Cautions & contraindications
- Naltrexone may cause increases in hepatic function tests (e.g., AST, ALT). It can interfere with some enzymatic assays (though it does not interfere with TLC, GLC, or HPLC methods for urinary opiates). The drug has a bitter taste, which may complicate oral administration, particularly in cats.
Drug interactions
- Opioid partial-agonists (e.g., butorphanol, pentazocine, nalbuphine): May antagonize the effects of these agents, including respiratory depression and analgesia.
- Clonidine: Naltrexone may reduce the hypotensive and bradycardic effects of clonidine.
- Yohimbine: Naltrexone may increase the CNS effects of yohimbine (anxiety, tremors, nausea, palpitations) and increase plasma cortisol levels.
Frequently asked questions
What is Naltrexone used for in pets?
> **Medication Compliance is Key**: It is crucial to follow the exact dosing schedule prescribed by your veterinarian for this medication to be effective. - **Comprehensive Approach**: Medication alone is rarely a cure. Additional **behavior modification techniques** and environmental enrichment are usually required to successfully alleviate your pet's symptoms. - **Administration**: This medication has a very **bitter taste**, which can make giving it to cats particularly challenging. Consider hiding it in a highly palatable treat or placing it inside an empty gelatin capsule. - **What to Watch For**: Some pets may experience mild drowsiness or subtle changes in behavior. Contact your veterinarian if these effects are severe or concerning.
Is Naltrexone safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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