Dose-response effects of low-dose naltrexone on the analgesia produced by hydrocodone

• Published in: Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics 2004-02, Vol.75 (2), p.P71-P71
• Main Authors: Cantilena, L. R., Lenart, M. C., Miller, J. C., Messina, J. C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0009-9236; 1532-6535
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.268

Purpose To determine the dose response of low‐dose oral naltrexone (NTX) on the analgesia produced from 10 mg of hydrocodone (HYIR) in healthy subjects with thermally induced hyperalgesia. Methods Subjects first received a thermal discomfort test to determine hyperalgesic response and their responsiveness to opioid analgesic effects. Subjects who qualified entered a 5‐treatment, 5‐period crossover, double‐blind phase in which they received placebo HYIR plus placebo NTX, HYIR plus placebo, or HYIR + 0.125, 0.250, or 0.500 mg of NTX. Results A suggested dose response was observed among the NTX doses on reducing thermal discomfort scores. Mean values among the different doses of NTX in thermal discomfort scores did not reveal any clinically relevant differences. Other measures of opioid effects such as 'drug liking' and 'feel the drug' revealed no differences among NTX doses. Observed adverse events were those commonly associated with opioids. Conclusion Increasing doses of naltrexone appear to slightly attenuate the analgesia from hydocodone; however, the effects do not appear to be relevant in this model. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P71–P71; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.268