Naltrexone 50 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Alcohol dependence – reducing craving and the pleasure from drinking, as part of a de-addiction programme; Preventing relapse in people who have stopped using opioids (heroin, brown sugar, prescription opioids) and are fully detoxified.
Listed MRPs range from ₹32.81 to ₹117.30 per tablet across 5 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naltrex 50 | Synmedic Laboratories | 10 | ₹328.13 | ₹32.81 | 19 October 2026 |
| Nalcovig 50 | Invig Healthcare Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹865.00 | ₹86.50 | 19 October 2026 |
| Addline | Rusan Pharma Ltd | 15 | ₹1624.00 | ₹108.27 | 19 October 2026 |
| Naltima 50 | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹1152.90 | ₹115.29 | 19 October 2026 |
| Nodict 50 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹1173.00 | ₹117.30 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Alcohol dependence – reducing craving and the pleasure from drinking, as part of a de-addiction programme.
- Preventing relapse in people who have stopped using opioids (heroin, brown sugar, prescription opioids) and are fully detoxified.
- Supporting a doctor-led de-addiction plan together with counselling or a support group – naltrexone works best when combined with these.
How to take it
Take one 50 mg tablet once a day at the same time, with or without food, exactly as your de-addiction doctor prescribes; some clinics give it on alternate days or three times a week in supervised programmes. For opioid dependence you must be opioid-free for at least 7 to 10 days before the first dose, otherwise it causes sudden severe withdrawal – your doctor may do a naloxone test first. Naltrexone is not a cure; keep attending counselling and follow-up. Carry a card or tell any doctor that you take it, because ordinary opioid painkillers will not work and overdose is a danger if you try to overcome the block.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea, stomach cramps, loss of appetite.
- Headache, dizziness.
- Tiredness or difficulty sleeping.
- Anxiety, nervousness.
- Muscle or joint pain.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pain in the right upper abdomen – liver injury; stop and see a doctor.
- Severe withdrawal (vomiting, diarrhoea, sweating, agitation) if started too soon after opioids.
- Depression, thoughts of self-harm.
- Confusion, hallucinations or severe allergic reaction.
Safety information
Alcohol
Naltrexone does not make you sick if you drink (unlike disulfiram); it reduces the urge and reward. The goal is still to stop drinking – it is not a licence to drink safely.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; it is used only if the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney disease; dose may need adjusting.
Liver problems
Avoid in acute hepatitis or liver failure. Liver tests are checked before and during treatment, especially in heavy drinkers.
Children
Not for use under 18.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due, then skip it. Do not take two together.
Interactions
- All opioid medicines – tramadol, codeine cough syrups, morphine, buprenorphine, methadone, diphenoxylate (Lomotil) – blocked by naltrexone; trying to overcome the block can cause fatal overdose.
- Opioid-containing cold and diarrhoea remedies – check labels with your pharmacist.
- Disulfiram – both can affect the liver; combination needs monitoring.
- If you need surgery or emergency pain relief, tell the doctor you take naltrexone so non-opioid options can be planned.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I drink alcohol on Naltima 50?
You will not fall sick the way you would with disulfiram. Naltrexone blocks the pleasurable effect of alcohol so drinking feels less rewarding and cravings reduce. You should still aim to stay away from alcohol.
Nodict vs Naltima – which is better?
Both contain naltrexone 50 mg and are equally effective. The choice is usually about price and availability.
How long do I need to take Naltima 50?
Usually at least 3 to 6 months, often up to a year, alongside counselling. Your de-addiction doctor will decide based on your progress.
Can I take Naltima 50 right after stopping heroin or brown sugar?
No. You must be completely off opioids for 7 to 10 days first, or naltrexone will trigger sudden, severe withdrawal. Your doctor may do a test dose before starting.
Will painkillers work if I am on Nodict 50?
Opioid painkillers like tramadol and codeine will not work and trying to overcome the block is dangerous. Paracetamol and NSAIDs work normally; tell every doctor and dentist that you take naltrexone.
Does naltrexone damage the liver?
At the usual dose it is generally safe, but it can affect the liver, particularly in people who are still drinking heavily. Your doctor will check liver tests before and during treatment.
Is naltrexone addictive?
No. It has no pleasurable effect and does not cause dependence or withdrawal when stopped.
Does Naltima 50 need a prescription?
Yes. It is a Schedule H medicine, prescribed by a psychiatrist or de-addiction specialist as part of a treatment plan with counselling.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Naltrexone (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms