A Comprehensive Monograph on Naltrexone: Pharmacology, Clinical Efficacy, and Therapeutic Applications

Drug Identification and Physicochemical Profile

Naltrexone is a small molecule drug that has become a cornerstone in the management of substance use disorders. Its unambiguous identification and characterization are fundamental to its application in clinical practice, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and research. This section details its nomenclature, molecular properties, and key physicochemical characteristics.

Nomenclature and Chemical Identifiers

Naltrexone is known by several names across chemical, pharmaceutical, and regulatory domains. Its primary non-proprietary name is Naltrexone.[1] The systematic name, according to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), is (4R,4aS,7aR,12bS)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl)-4a,9-dihydroxy-2,3,4,4a,5,6-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7(7aH)-one.[3] An alternative systematic name frequently cited is 17-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-4,5-epoxy-3,14-dihydroxymorphinan-6-one.[1]

Throughout its development and marketing, Naltrexone has accumulated numerous synonyms and brand names. Chemical synonyms include N-Cyclopropylmethylnoroxymorphone and N-Cyclopropylmethyl-14-hydroxydihydromorphinone.[1] Its developmental code was EN 1639A.[2] It is marketed globally under brand names such as Revia, Depade, Trexan, Vivitrol, Contrave (in combination with bupropion), Mysimba, Celupan, Nalorex, and Nemexin.[1] International non-proprietary names include Naltrexona (Spanish), Naltrexon (German), and Naltrexonum (Latin).[1]

For precise identification in scientific databases and regulatory filings, the following identifiers are used: