Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist medication primarily utilized in the treatment of alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. A crucial consideration for individuals prescribed this medication and those monitoring treatment compliance is whether its presence is detectable in standard toxicology screenings. The detectability of a substance hinges on the sensitivity and specificity of the drug testing methodologies employed.
Understanding the detectability of naltrexone offers benefits in multiple contexts. For patients, it allows informed participation in treatment planning and compliance monitoring. For healthcare providers and employers, it aids in the accurate assessment of treatment adherence and ensures a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s medication profile. Historically, the development of drug testing has focused on commonly abused substances, leading to variations in the availability and sensitivity of tests for less frequently screened medications.
