Oral nalmefene therapy reduces scratching activity due to the pruritus of cholestasis: A controlled study

Background: Intravenous naloxone frequently ameliorates the pruritus of cholestasis, but its low oral bioavailability precludes its use as a long-term therapy. Nalmefene is an orally bioavailable opiate antagonist. Objective: We assessed the efficacy of oral nalmefene in ameliorating the pruritus of cholestasis. Methods: In a prospective controlled study conducted in a tertiary referral hospital, 11 patients with generalized pruritus complicating chronic liver disease were randomized to receive either nalmefene or placebo in a double-blinded fashion for 2-month periods. Scratching activity was measured continuously fur 24-hour periods at baseline and at the: end of each treatment period. Results: Data on 8 patients who received at least 1 course of nalmefene were available for comparison with corresponding control data, which consisted of observations obtained during a course of placebo and/or at baseline. Nalmefene therapy was associated with a 75% reduction in the geometric mean hourly scratching activity (P < .01) and a decrease in the mean of a visual analogue score of the perception of pruritus in all 8 patients (mean decrease 77%, P < .01). Conclusion: Oral administration of nalmefene can ameliorate pruritus complicating chronic liver disease.