Naltrexone for the treatment of alcohol use disorder in the primary care setting

Alcohol misuse is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Naltrexone is recommended by the American Psychiatric Association, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense’s most recent published guidelines for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Ensuring appropriate use of naltrexone in AUD is an opportunity for pharmacists to be part of an interdisciplinary team in the primary care setting. Keeping up-to-date with the newest guidelines, primary literature, and dosing information is essential for the pharmacist in order to develop and monitor a naltrexone treatment plan in AUD patients.