NALOXONE (NARCAN)

Question 1

Action and side effects

Answer 1

An opioid antagonist that will temporarily reverse the
effects of morphine and other narcotic medications,
particularly respiratory depression. It competes with
the narcotic receptor sites and blocks the action of
the narcotics (especially when taken in excess of
therapeutic doses such as overdose

SIDE EFFECTS
• Narcotic reversal may cause combativeness,
vomiting, sweating, tachycardia, hypertension or
withdrawal convulsions.
• Pulmonary oedema

Question 2

Indications, contraindications & precautions

Answer 2

• Suspected opioid
overdose with respiratory
depression

• KSAR
• Newborns

• Pre-existing cardiac
disease

Question 3

Dosages

Answer 3

EMT 2 IM 0.8-1.6mg Naloxone
EMT 2 NAS 0.4-1.6mg Naloxone

PAEDIATRIC
EMT 2 IM
Single dose of Naloxone to
be administered using the
following scale:
WEIGHT DOSE VOLUME
<5kg 100 microg 0.25mL
5-<10kg 200 microg 0.5mL
10-<15kg 300 microg 0.75mL
15-<20kg 400 microg 1mL
20-<25kg 500 microg 1.25mL
25-<30kg 600 microg 1.5mL
30-35kg 700 microg 1.75mL
<35kg 800 microg 2mL