Narcan
Class
Synthetic opioid antagonist
Description
Naloxone is a competitive narcotic antagonist used in the management and
reversal of overdoses caused by narcotics and synthetic narcotic agents. Unlike
other narcotic antagonists, which do not completely inhibit the analgesic
properties of opiates, naloxone antagonizes all actions of morphine.
Onset & Duration
Onset: Within 2 min.
Duration: 30-60 min.
Indications
1. For the complete or partial reversal of CNS and respiratory depression
induced by opioids:
a) Narcotic agonist: Morphine Sulfate Heroin
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
Methadone
Meperidine (Demerol)
Paregoric
Fentanyl citrate (Sublimaze)
Oxycodone (Percodan, Percocet)
Codeine Propoxyphene (Darvon,
Darvocet)
b) Narcotic agonist and antagonist Butorphanol tartrate
(Stadol)
Pentazocine (Talwin)
Nalbuphone (Nubain)
2. Decreased level of consciousness
3. Coma of unknown origin
4. Circulatory support in refractory shock (investigational)
5. PCP and ETOH intoxications (investigational)
Contraindications
1. Hypersensitivity
2. Use with extreme caution in narcotic-dependent patients who may experience
withdrawal syndrome (including neonates of narcotic-dependent mothers)
Adverse Reactions
1. Withdrawal effects
2. Tachycardia
3. Hypertension
4. Dysrhythmias
5. Nausea and vomiting
6. Diaphoresis
7. Blurred vision
Drug Interactions
1. Is incompatible with bisulfite and with alkaline solutions.
Special Considerations
1. Pregnancy safety: Category B
2. May not reverse hypotension
3. Caution should be exercised when administering naloxone to narcotic addicts
(may precipitate
withdrawal with hypertension, tachycardia, and violent behavior).
4. May cause seizures
** May be given endotracheally
Note: Feel free to discuss this medication and your experiences in administering it in an emergency or hospital based setting on our message board
