ABOUT COURSE
This course explores Naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist that reduces cravings and blocks euphoric effects in the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence.
The curriculum covers essential topics for prescribers including:
- Indications
- Dosage and Administration
- Mechanism of Action
- Pharmacokinetics
- Warnings
- Drug Interactions
- Contraindications
- Augmentation Strategies
- Recommended Lab Tests
- Therapeutic Levels
- Overdose Management
- Tapering/Withdrawal
- Use in Special Populations-
- Pregnancy,
- Lactation,
- Renal Impairment,
- Hepatic Impairment,
- Cardiac Impairment,
- Elderly,
- Children and Adolescents.
- Important pearls based on years of practice.
This course strives to enhance the clinical skills of psychiatric nurse practitioners and other prescribers through comprehensive training in prescribing and managing Naltrexone therapy effectively and safely.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Brand Names & Generic:
- Learn about brand names under which Naltrexone is marketed.
- Learn about different generic names under which Naltrexone is available in the market.
Indications:
- Learn the FDA-approved uses and potential off-label applications of Naltrexone .
- Know the dosages of all potential off label uses.
Dosage and Administration:
- Understand different medication forms and their administration.
- Implement appropriate dosage and administration guidelines for Naltrexone in various clinical scenarios.
- Learn how to dose Naltrexone correctly and identify usual dosage ranges.
Pharmacological Effects:
- Explore the mechanisms of Naltrexone.
- Understand how Naltrexone works in the brain to treat Substance abuse and other conditions.
- Discuss the impact of Naltrexone on neurotransmitter levels and brain chemistry.
Pharmacokinetics:
- Absorption: Understand how Naltrexone is absorbed in the body.
- Distribution: Learn about the distribution of Naltrexone in the body.
- Metabolism: Discuss the metabolism of Naltrexone.
- Elimination: Understand how Naltrexone is eliminated from the body.
- Half-life: Know the half-life of Naltrexone and its clinical significance.
Drug Interactions:
- Identify common drug interactions with Naltrexone and strategies for managing them.
- Understand the mechanisms through which these interactions occur.
- Know which medications should be avoided with Naltrexone due to drug interactions.
Common Side Effects:
- Learn about the most common side effects of Naltrexone.
- Understand potential life-threatening side effects and how to manage them.
- Educate patients on what to expect and how to manage side effects.
Contraindications:
- Learn the conditions under which Naltrexone should not be used.
- Understand the reasons why these conditions are contraindicated.
Best Augmenting Combos for Partial Response:
- Learn about the best augmenting combinations for patients with partial response to Naltrexone.
- Discover effective strategies for augmenting Naltrexone therapy.
- Evaluate the efficacy and safety of common augmentation strategies.
Recommended Lab Tests:
- Learn about recommended lab tests for safe and effective monitoring.
- Identify necessary lab tests to monitor patients on Naltrexone.
- Interpret lab results to guide treatment adjustments.
Therapeutic Monitoring:
- Apply strategies for therapeutic monitoring to optimize treatment outcomes.
- Know about the therapeutic blood levels for Naltrexone.
Overdose:
- Understand the signs & symptoms of Naltrexone overdose.
- Recognize early warning signs of overdose and effective management strategies
Tapering/Withdrawal:
- Apply best practices for tapering and withdrawal of Naltrexone to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Follow the best protocols based on decades of clinical practice to safely taper Naltrexone.
- Educate patients on the process and expected symptoms of tapering.
Usage with Special Populations:
- Gain insights into the unique considerations for prescribing Naltrexone to special populations such as pregnancy, lactation, hepatic impairment, renal impairment, cardiac impairment, elderly, and children.
- Tailor Naltrexone dosage for special populations considering their unique needs.
- Understand the risks and benefits of Naltrexone use in these populations.
Important Pearls:
- Learn about essential clinical pearls to enhance practice and ensure patient safety.
- Understand the most important facts about Naltrexone based on decades of clinical practice.
- Apply practical tips and experiences from clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.
