Opioid Antagonist

Question 1

Name the pharmacologic and therapeutic class of this drug: naloxone (Narcan)

Answer 1

Pharmacologic Class

• Opioid Antagonist

Therapeutic Class

• Antidote

Question 2

What are the common endings for drugs that are Opioid Antagonist?

Answer 2

• -one

Question 3

How do Opioid Antagonists, like naloxone, work?

Answer 3

• bind to and block opiates receptors to pvt response of opioids w/o producing any agonist effects

Question 4

What are the indications for prescribing naloxone?

Answer 4

Indications

• reversal of signs of opioid excess

Question 5

What are the therapeutic effects for naloxone?

Answer 5

Therapeutic Effects

• Reversal of CNS depression & respiratory depression due to opioid overdose

Question 6

Leslie is found unconsious/unresponsive with a bottle of empty morphine pills next to her. She is suspected of overdosing on opioids.

What potential side effects would she experience after being given Naloxone?

Answer 6

Side Effects:

• HTN
• Tachycardia
• Ventricular arrhythmias
• Nausea/Vomitting

Question 7

What are some nursing implication when administering naloxone?

Answer 7

• monitor RR
• monitor LOC
• assess pain
• assess pt for igns of opioid withdrawal
  -> restlessness
  -> rhinorrhea
  -> nausea
  -> dairrhea
  -> ↑ BP, RR, HR