Naloxone

Question 1

Pharmacology and presentation of Naloxone?

Answer 1

0.4mg:1ml

• Opiate receptor antagonist that reverses the effects of opiates, particularly respiratory depression and sedation

Question 2

Indicators of Naloxone?

Answer 2

• Opiate poisoning is suspected and the patient has a significantly impaired level of consciousness or significantly impaired breathing.
• Excess adverse effects from administration of opiates.

Question 3

Contraindications of Naloxone?

Answer 3

• Known severe allergy

Question 4

Cautions of Naloxone?

Answer 4

• Chronic opiate use. If the patient is taking an opiate chronically, there is a risk of adverse physiological effects associated with rapid opiate withdrawal.

Question 5

Side Effects of Naloxone?
SH&T

Answer 5

• Sweating.
• Tachycardia.
• Hypertension

Question 6

Dosing Regimes of Naloxone?

Answer 6

Adult IV
- 0.1-0.4mg, every 5 mins PRN

Paediatric IV
- Max dose of 0.1mg per 10kg, every 5 mins PRN

Adult IM
-0.8mg, repeated every 20mins PRN

Paediatric IM
- 0.2mg per 10kg, repeated every 20mins PRN

Question 7

Onset and duration of Naloxone?

Answer 7

Onset:
- IV: 1-2 mins.
- IM: 5-1O mins

Duration
- 30-60 minutes
- The duration of action of naloxone may be shorter than the duration of action of the opiate that has been administered/taken and naloxone may need to be repeated.