Drug Cards

Naloxone

Narcan
Class:
Narcotic antagonist.
Mechanism of Action:
  • Competitive inhibition at narcotic receptor sites.
  • Reverse respiratory depression secondary to depressant drugs.
  • Completely inhibits the effect of morphine.
Indications:
  • Respiratory Depression Secondary to Opiate overdose
  • Complete or partial reversal of CNS and respiratory depression induced by opioids.
    • Narcotic agonists:
    • Narcotic agonist and antagonist:
      • Putorphanol (Staldol).
      • Pentazocine (Talwin).
      • Nalbuphine (Nubain).
Contraindications:
Use with caution in:
  • naracotic depressant patients.
  • neonates of narcotic-addicted mothers.
Adverse reactions:
  • Withdrawal symptoms in the addicted patient.
  • Tachycardia, hypertension, dysrhythmias, nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis.
Adult Dosage and Administration
0.4 - 2.0 mg IV, IM, SC, Nasal via atomizer;
min. recommended = 2.0 mg repeat at 5 minute intervals to 10 mg maximum dose.
Infusion: 2 mg in 500 ml of D5W (4mcg/ml), infuse at 0.4 mg / hr. (100 ml / hr).
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Pediatric Dosage and Administration:
0.1 mg/kg / dose IV, IM, SC, ET (diluted); maximum of 0.8 mg;
if no response in 10 minutes, administer an additional 0.1 mg/kg / dose.
Duration of Action
  • Onset: within 2 minutes.
  • Peak effect: variable.
  • Duration: 30-60 minutes.
Special Considerations:
  • Pregnancy safety: Category B.
  • Seizures without causal relationship have been reported.
  • May not reverse hypotension.
  • Use caution when administering to narcotic addicts (violent behavior, etc.)