Dictionary of Biological Psychology
A drug that is a selective blocker of OPIATE RECEPTORS. Naloxone is a well-known opiate ANTAGONIST as is the structurally similar compound NALTREXONE.
Naloxone binds to opiate receptors and blocks them until the drug is metabolized, preventing opiate drugs or ENDOGENOUS OPIATES from stimulating the receptors. It binds non-selectively (that is, it binds to all opiate receptor subtypes). It is used extensively in research on opioid systems, opiate drugs, and ADDICTION. Administration of naloxone to an opiate-dependent individual will result in immediate precipitation of WITHDRAWAL symptoms, since in PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE, the opiate receptors need the presence of the drug to function normally.
ANN E.KELLEY
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