You may be wondering how long does naltrexone last and how long it stays in your system. This important medication supports recovery for many people battling addiction, and understanding its duration and metabolism is key to its role in recovery.
Naltrexone Half-Life and Metabolism
Half-Life of Naltrexone
According to a study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the average elimination half-life of naltrexone is between 4 and 13 hours. For the extended-release form, known as Vivitrol, this half-life extends significantly to approximately 5 to 10 days. The half-life represents the time needed for half of the dose to be metabolized and removed from the body, not the full elimination of the drug.
How Long Does Naltrexone Stay in Your System?
Research from the Mayo Clinic indicates that naltrexone has an elimination half-life of around 4 hours, meaning half of the dose is metabolized within that time. However, the effects can last up to 12 hours. Factors influencing how long naltrexone remains in your system include dosage, frequency of use, and individual health conditions.
Concentration of Naltrexone in the system over time, based on a 50 mg dose.
Metabolism and Elimination
Naltrexone is metabolized in the liver and excreted through urine. Research published in the American Journal of Medicine indicates that individuals with liver or kidney impairments may experience a slower metabolism and elimination rate, which can prolong the time naltrexone remains in the system.
Dosage
According to a 2020 study in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, higher doses of naltrexone generally result in longer detection times. At a standard dose of 50 mg per day, the drug may be detectable in urine for up to 3 days after the last dose.
Frequency of Use
Chronic or long-term use leads to accumulation of the drug in the body, extending the time for complete elimination. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), for most people, naltrexone clears from the body within 7 to 14 days, though in some cases, it may take up to 21 days for full elimination.
How Long Does Naltrexone Stay in Your Urine?
Naltrexone is metabolized in the liver and excreted through urine, where it can be detected for 3 to 7 days. Several factors impact this detection period, including:
Individual Factors
Research published in The Lancet Psychiatry (2021) suggests that age, liver function, hydration, and other individual factors play a significant role in how long naltrexone remains detectable. Older adults and those with impaired liver function may have slower metabolism, while proper hydration can help accelerate excretion.
Urine pH
A study in Clinical Pharmacokinetics (2022) found that urine pH impacts excretion time, with more acidic urine aiding faster elimination of naltrexone, whereas alkaline urine slows down the process.
How Long Does Naltrexone Stay in Your System: FAQs
How long does naltrexone stay in your blood?
According to a study in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology (2021), naltrexone’s half-life in the bloodstream is approximately 4 hours. For most people, it clears from the blood within 24 hours, though its metabolites may persist for 2-3 days.
Will naltrexone show up on a drug test?
Standard drug tests do not screen for naltrexone. However, a report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) confirms that specialized blood and urine tests can detect it if specifically requested. Naltrexone does not produce false positives for opioids or other drug classes in routine screenings.
Benefits of Naltrexone in Recovery
Naltrexone is highly effective in addiction recovery, reducing cravings and blocking the effects of opioids, which helps prevent relapse. Naltrexone is available as a daily tablet (Revia or Depade) or as a monthly injection (Vivitrol), allowing for customized treatment plans suited to individual recovery needs.
Our team at Still Detox in Boca Raton, Florida, is dedicated to supporting you through each step of detoxification and recovery. With evidence-based treatments like Naltrexone, we’re here to make the recovery journey as effective and safe as possible.
Take the first step to a healthier life with Still Detox in Boca Raton, Florida. We understand the complexities of addiction and provide a caring environment for recovery, including medically supervised detox and medication-assisted treatment with naltrexone. If you or a loved one needs assistance with alcohol or opioid addiction, call us today at (561) 556-2677.
