Naltrexone Oral Suspension (Anhydrous)
Naltrexone is a compounded formulation containing Naltrexone, prepared by Mixlab for veterinary use. Available by prescription.
How to Give Anhydrous Oral Suspension
Oral Suspension (Anhydrous) is a liquid medication that does not contain water in its base. This might be an oil-based or other special base to help stabilize the medicine. It will look like a regular liquid medication, but often needs a good shake because the drug can settle. Here's how to give it:
- Shake well each time to mix the medication (5-10 seconds).
- Measure the dose using the syringe/dropper provided or one recommended by your vet. Insert the top of the oral syringe into the bottle adapter. Turn the bottle upside down and pull the plunger until the medicine reaches the volume required
- Hold your pet steady: a towel or helper can assist with squirmy pets.
- Administer the dose slowly into the side of the mouth. Allow small pauses if needed for swallowing.
- Raise the head slightly to help the medication go down and clean any spills with a little water or tissue.
- Praise your pet and offer a treat or water (unless advised against feeding right after).
- Clean the syringe with water immediately after use. Store the bottle as directed, out of sunlight.
- Consistency is key: Shake each time, measure accurately, and contact your vet if any issues arise.
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.
