Which of the following is true of nalmefene? It is approved to be self as an over the counter arsis.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The question asks: “Which of the following is true of nalmefene?”
One of the options shown is:
❌ “It is approved to be sold as an over-the-counter drug.”
This statement is false.
✅ Correct Answer:
Nalmefene is approved in some countries as a prescription drug for the reduction of alcohol consumption in patients with alcohol dependence.
📚 Explanation
Nalmefene is an opioid receptor modulator, specifically acting as an antagonist at the μ- and δ-opioid receptors and a partial agonist at the κ-opioid receptor. It was developed as a medication for the treatment of alcohol dependence and has been approved in several European countries, including the European Union, under the brand name Selincro.
Nalmefene is primarily used to help reduce alcohol consumption in adults with alcohol dependence who do not require immediate detoxification. It is taken on an as-needed basis, typically one to two hours before the patient anticipates drinking. This approach supports patients who are not ready to stop drinking entirely but want to cut back on their consumption.
However, nalmefene is not available over the counter (OTC). In all regions where it is approved, including the European Union, it requires a prescription. This is because nalmefene has a significant impact on the brain’s opioid system and should be used under medical supervision to monitor for side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, and insomnia. It is not approved for sale or use as an OTC medication, and doing so could lead to misuse or lack of appropriate medical oversight.
In the United States, nalmefene was previously evaluated for opioid overdose reversal, but naloxone remains the standard drug for this purpose. Unlike naloxone, nalmefene has a longer duration of action, which may be beneficial in certain clinical settings but has not led to wide adoption or OTC approval.
Thus, the correct and true statement about nalmefene is that it is a prescription-only medication used for alcohol dependence—not an OTC drug.
