Naloxone

Antidote · Narcotic antagonist

Indications

Reversal of opioid depression, including that due to pentazocine, dextropropoxyphene. Diagnosis of acute overdosage. Neonatal respiratory depression resulting from obstetric analgesia.

Dosage

Adults: 0.4-2 mg by IV, IM or SC injection every 2-3 min as required or by IV infusion. Post-op: 0.1-0.2 mg IV repeated as required. Children: Neonates: 10 mcg/kg by IV infusion, IV, IM or SC injection repeated as required. Others: 10 mcg/kg by IV, IM or SC injection repeated as required or by IV infusion. See literature.

Administration

Give IV, IM or SC. The most rapid onset of action is achieved with IV use, which is recommended in emergency situations. Titrate the administration rate in accordance with the patient’s response. Reconstitution: Dilute in NS or D5W solutions. The addition of 2 mg in 500 mL of either solution provides a concentration of 0.004 mg/mL. Stability: Store at 59°F-86°F. Protect from light. Use diluted solution for infusion within 24 hours. Discard any unused infusion solution after 24 hours.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Precautions: Pregnancy except in labour, opioid dependence. Keep patient under observation as repeat doses may be needed.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action: IV: 1-2 mins. SC: 2-5 mins. Duration of action: 30-45 mins. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: Intranasal: 1.8-2.7 hrs. IM: 1.4 hrs. IV: 1.2 hrs. Excretion: Urine.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.