Naltrexone Injectable
Naltrexone is a compounded formulation containing Naltrexone, prepared by Mixlab for veterinary use. Available by prescription.
Giving your pet an injection might feel intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes routine. Follow these steps for safe and stress-free injections.
Get Your Supplies Ready
- Medication vial or pre-filled syringe
- Alcohol swabs
- Sterile syringe & needle (if not pre-filled)
- Sharps container for safe needle disposal
Drawing Up the Dose (if needed)
- Clean the vial top with an alcohol swab
- Attach needle to syringe
- Pull in air equal to the dose
- Insert needle into vial, push air in
- Draw out the correct dose
- Tap out air bubbles
Pick the Injection Site
- Subcutaneous (under the skin): Loose skin between shoulder blades or side
- Intramuscular (into muscle): As directed by your vet
Prep the Area
- Pinch a fold of skin to form a “tent” (for subcutaneous). Wipe with alcohol if recommended.
Inject the Medication
- Hold the syringe like a pencil
- Insert the needle into the base of the skin tent at a 45° angle
- Push the plunger slowly to inject
After the Injection
- Remove the needle smoothly
- Place it immediately in the sharps container (don’t recap)
- Pat the area and give your pet praise or a treat
Safety Tips
- Never reuse needles
- Always dispose of used needles properly
- Ask your vet for help if unsure
The uses and pharmacology described below reflect the FDA-approved labeling for this active ingredient; your veterinarian determines whether and how they apply to your animal's treatment plan.
Naltrexone hydrochloride is a pure opioid antagonist utilized in veterinary medicine for its ability to influence opioid-receptor signaling. It is a prescription medication available for use in multiple species, requiring professional guidance from a licensed veterinarian. It is frequently considered in the context of behavioral health for managing compulsive behaviors or as a reversal agent for specific sedatives.
Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.
At a pharmacological level, it is considered to influence the activity at mu-opioid receptors by competitively inhibiting opioid binding. Commonly observed effects include behavioral shifts such as temporary lethargy or coordination changes. Because it is processed by the liver, your veterinarian will monitor for observational signs of hepatic stress, especially with long-term use. Owners should monitor for significant behavioral shifts and contact their veterinarian promptly with any concerns regarding the patient's response to the medication.
Yes. Naltrexone is a prescription medication and requires a valid authorization from a licensed veterinarian. Mixlab ensures all legal and professional standards are met before dispensing.
Yes. Mixlab specializes in compounding naltrexone into customized strengths and flavored oral formats, such as flavored oral liquids or treats, to suit the specific needs of your pet.
Veterinarians discuss naltrexone for compulsive behaviors because it is considered to influence the "reward" signals in the brain associated with those actions. This provides a method for addressing repetitive behavioral cycles.
In a clinical setting, veterinarians use naltrexone because it is considered to influence the displacement of opioid sedatives from their receptors. This provides a method for supporting a safe and controlled return to alertness after a procedure.
Your veterinarian will recommend periodic check-ups and may suggest blood work to monitor liver function during the course of management. This monitoring ensures the approach remains suitable.
