Formulary
Nalmefene: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Nalmefene clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
MedNext Academy | 3 min read
Nalmefene: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Nalmefene clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
Indications and dose
**Reduction of alcohol consumption in patients with alcohol dependence who have a high drinking risk level without physical withdrawal symptoms, and who do not require immediate detoxification**
- **Adult** (By Mouth): 18 mg daily if required, taken on each day there is a risk of drinking alcohol, preferably taken 1-2 hours before the anticipated time of drinking, if a dose has not been taken before drinking alcohol, 1 dose should be taken as soon as possible; maximum 18 mg per day.
Cautions
Continued treatment for more than 1 year; history of seizure disorders (including alcohol withdrawal seizures); psychiatric illness
Contraindications
Recent history of acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome; recent or current opioid use
Side effects
Common or very common Appetite decreased; asthenia; concentration impaired; confusion; diarrhoea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; feeling abnormal; headache; hyperhidrosis; libido decreased; malaise; muscle spasms; nausea; palpitations; restlessness; sensation abnormal; sleep disorders; tachycardia; tremor; vomiting; weight decreased Frequency not known Dissociation; hallucinations
Pregnancy
Manufacturer advises avoid-toxicity in animal studies.
Breast feeding
Manufacturer advises avoid-present in milk in animal studies.
Hepatic impairment
Manufacturer advises caution in mild to moderate impairment (risk of increased exposure); avoid in severe impairment (no information available).
Renal impairment
Use with caution in mild to moderate impairment; avoid in severe impairment. M
Medicinal forms
Clinical governance
**Author:** MedNext Clinical Team. **Clinical reviewer:** Dr Shameer Deen, MBBS, MS, MRCS. **Sources:** BNF, Indian Pharmacopoeia, CIMS India. **Correction:** Report errors at support@mednext.academy.
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