engleski

Opiate mu-receptor ligands and pharmacotherapy of heroin dependence

The treatment of opiate dependence is a complex and long term therapeutic problem. The most commonly used approach is transfer of dependent person to a prescription opioid medication, e.g., methadone, with long term maintenance. Alternative pharmacological therapy is the use ofd a specific narcotic antagonist naltrexone after detoxification. In detoxification procedure alpha-2 adrenergic agonist clonidine (aimed to compensate the loss of opioid suppression of the locus coeruleus system during the abstinence syndrome) is frequently used. However, detoxification is an approach applicable only to restricted population of patients. A new partial mu-receptor agonist and kappa-receptor antagonist buprenorphine (Subutex) represents a modern and safe therapeutic opinion.

opiate dependence; mu-receptor; detoxification

nije evidentirano