Tolerability of naltrexone in treating older, alcohol-dependent patients.

The authors conducted an interim analysis of the tolerability of naltrexone among older, alcohol-dependent adults. Thirty-six subjects over 50 years old were enrolled in a 12-week, double blind, placebo-controlled efficacy study of naltrexone. Sixteen subjects received naltrexone and were compared with the placebo group for the development of adverse effects. Self-reported adverse effects did not differ in frequency or duration between the placebo and naltrexone groups. There were no significant differences in laboratory values between the two groups. Naltrexone was well tolerated with no clinically significant adverse effects. However, the efficacy of naltrexone has yet to be determined in this age group.