What Is Low-Dose Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is an FDA-approved drug at 50 mg. "Low-dose naltrexone" (LDN) means much smaller doses, usually about 1.5 to 4.5 mg. These low strengths are not sold commercially, so they are compounded by prescription for one patient.
How It's Thought to Work
Researchers propose that a brief block of opioid receptors may raise the body's own endorphins, and that LDN may have anti-inflammatory effects. These mechanisms are still being studied.
What Is It Used For?
Prescribers use LDN off-label for conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic pain. The evidence is still limited and early, and larger studies are underway. Whether LDN is appropriate is the prescriber's decision.
Is It FDA-Approved at This Dose?
No. Naltrexone is FDA-approved at 50 mg, not at low doses. LDN use is off-label. This is a compounded preparation.
Key Safety Note
People taking opioid pain medicine should not take naltrexone, please consult with your doctor. The prescriber reviews all medicines and decides what is safe.
Quality
Made only by prescription in Mixwell's USP <795>- and <800>-compliant lab. Mixwell is a non-sterile pharmacy and does not make injectables. Not FDA-reviewed at this dose. No result is promised, and this is not claimed to be better than commercial products.
References
- Younger J, Parkitny L, McLain D. The use of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as a novel anti-inflammatory treatment for chronic pain. Clin Rheumatol. 2014;33(4):451–459.
- Younger J, Noor N, McCue R, Mackey S. Low-dose naltrexone for the treatment of fibromyalgia: findings of a small, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced, crossover trial assessing daily pain levels. Arthritis Rheum. 2013;65(2):529–538.