Naloxone

Aliases: Narcan

Indications: Reversal of respiratory depression caused by opiates or synthetic narcotics     

Contraindications: Known allergy, known hypersensitivity, neonates with narcotic use by mother.  

Concentrations: 

Injection: 0.4mg/mL

Injection: 1 mg/mL

Dosing

Adult:

Indication	Dose	Route	Note
Opioid Overdose	0.4-0.5 mg	IV	Repeat PRN until ventilation is sufficient by patient
Opioid Overdose	2 mg	IM/IN	Repeat PRN until ventilation is sufficient by patient

Pediatric:

Indication	Dose	Route	Note
Opioid Overdose	0.1 mg/kg (Max: 2 mg)	IM/IN/IV	Repeat PRN until ventilation is sufficient by patient

Precautions: The goal is to make the patient breath sufficiently on their own. Alertness is not required for success. 

Adverse/Side Effects: Tachycardia, hypotension with rapid administration, HTN, dysrhythmias, N/V, and diaphoresis. In neonates, opioid withdrawal may be life-threatening if not recognized 

Class: Opioid antagonist    

Mechanism of Action: Naloxone hydrochloride is an opioid antagonist that antagonizes opioid effects by competing for the same receptor sites. Naloxone hydrochloride reverses the effects of opioids, including respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension. 

Onset of Action	Peak Effect	Duration of Action
IV: ~ 2 minutes   IM: 2-5 minutes   IN: ~ 5 minutes	IV: Fast  IM/IN: 15-30 minutes	-Varies on route & opioid  -IV has a shorter duration than IM