Naloxone Treatment of Opiate Dependence

Abstract

The duration of action of naloxone hydrochloride, a narcotic antagonist, was extended by increasing doses in nine male volunteers. Blockade against intravenously administered heroin challenges was measured. A daily dose of 2.4 gm of naloxone hydrochloride elicited blockade to 25 mg of heroin and 3.0 gm extended blockade to 50 mg of heroin both for 24 hours. No toxic symptoms occurred in nine weeks of naloxone administration. In order to use antagonists in the prophylaxis of opiate dependence, a long-acting, parenterally administered formulation must be developed.