Naloxone

Question 1

What is the presentation?

Answer 1

0.4mg (400mcg) in 1ml vial

Question 2

What is it and what does it do?

Answer 2

Naloxone is a pure opioid antagonist that exerts its effect by competitive inhibition at the opioid receptor sites. It prevents or reverses the effects of opioids, including respiratory depression, sedation and hypotension. In the absence of opioids it exhibits essentially no pharmacological activity.

Question 3

What are the indications?

Answer 3

Reversal of respiratory depression in a suspected narcotic overdose.

Question 4

What are the contraindications?

Answer 4

None

Question 5

What are the precautions?

Answer 5

Polypharmacy overdose.

Naloxone half-life may be less than that of the opioid.

Question 6

What is the dose for an adult?

Answer 6

Dilute 0.4mg (400mcg) /1ml with 9mls NaCl for IV/IO administration

IV/IO: Administer up to 400mcg Titrated to effect. Repeat every 2 minutes as clinically required to a maximum of 10mg.

IM: 0.4mg (400mcg) every 5 minutes as needed up to 10mg

Question 7

What is the dose for a paed?

Answer 7

Dilute 0.4mg (400mcg) /1ml with 9mls NaCl for IV/IO administration

IV/IO: 0.01mg (10mcg)/kg initial dose. Subsequent dose 0.1mg (100mcg)/kg if required up to 2mg.

IM: 0.4mg (400mcg) every 5-10 minutes as required up to 2mg.

Question 8

What are the side effects?

Answer 8

Withdrawal symptoms such as:

Aggression
Agitation
Nausea/vomiting
Dilated pupils and lacrimation