In the article we give an overview of nalmefene – the first approved medicament for reduction of alcohol consumption within the treatment of alcohol dependence. Nalmefene is an opioid antagonist of μ- and δ- receptors and partial agonist of κ- receptors. It’s pharmacologic properties suggest that nalmefene could be suitable for achieving the reduction of reward after using alcohol (and other psychoactive substances). The efficacy and safety of nalmefene in reduction of alcohol consumption in patients with alcohol dependence was evaluated in three multicenter clinical trials (phase III): ESENSE 1, ESENSE 2 and SENSE. In these studies nalmefene reduced the number of heavy drinking days, as well as the average daily consumption of alcohol within the 6-month and 1-year period. Nalmefene was approved by the European Medicines Agency for the reduction of alcohol consumption in adult patients with alcohol dependence who have a high drinking risk level, who are unsuccessfully trying to reduce alcohol consumption or achieve abstinence two weeks after initial assessment.

Key words: nalmefene – alcohol dependence – reduction of alcohol consumption