What is the generic name for the medication marketed as Vivitrol?

• A. Naltrexone
• B. Naloxone
• C. Buprenorphine
• D. Methadone

Answer: (A)

Vivitrol is the brand name for a long-acting injectable form of naltrexone. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors, helping prevent relapse after detoxification and can also be used for some alcohol-use disorders. The extended-release formulation provides about a month of receptor blockade with a single dose, aiding adherence compared with daily pills.

Naloxone is another opioid antagonist used to rapidly reverse overdoses, not for ongoing maintenance. Buprenorphine and methadone are opioid agonist/partial agonist therapies used for withdrawal management and long-term maintenance. Therefore, the generic name for Vivitrol is naltrexone.