Alcohol dependence: naltrexone: practice question

A Pharmacology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pharmacology · Alcohol dependence: naltrexone

Sample item

A 38-year-old man completing alcohol detoxification wants a drug to reduce craving and relapse. He has normal liver function and takes no other medication. Which drug acting on opioid receptors is suitable?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Naltrexone

Naltrexone is an oral mu-opioid antagonist that blunts the rewarding effect of alcohol and reduces heavy drinking and relapse. It is contraindicated in patients taking opioids because it precipitates withdrawal, and it needs liver monitoring. Disulfiram acts differently, by causing an aversive reaction to alcohol.

Option by option

  • A. Methadone

    Methadone is an opioid agonist used for opioid dependence and would add dependence.

  • B. Disulfiram

    Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase and does not act on opioid receptors.

  • C. Buprenorphine

    Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist used for opioid dependence, not alcohol relapse prevention.

  • D. Naltrexone (correct)

    Naltrexone blocks opioid-mediated reward and reduces craving.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is D, Naltrexone. Naltrexone is an oral mu-opioid antagonist that blunts the rewarding effect of alcohol and reduces heavy drinking and relapse.

Why is "Methadone" not the answer?

Methadone is an opioid agonist used for opioid dependence and would add dependence.

Why is "Disulfiram" not the answer?

Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase and does not act on opioid receptors.

Why is "Buprenorphine" not the answer?

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist used for opioid dependence, not alcohol relapse prevention.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Alcohol dependence: naltrexone in Pharmacology. It is contraindicated in patients taking opioids because it precipitates withdrawal, and it needs liver monitoring. Disulfiram acts differently, by causing an aversive reaction to alcohol.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Alcohol dependence: naltrexone?

Learn drugs as classes, then the exception in each class that an examiner would pick. Then use the flashcards and the other Pharmacology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.