Naloxone Hydrochloride(nal ox’ one)
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Classes
Diagnostic agent
Opioid antagonist
Therapeutic Actions
Pure opioid antagonist; reverses the effects of opioids, including respiratory depression, sedation, hypotension; can reverse the psychotomimetic and dysphoric effects of opioid agonist-antagonists, such as pentazocine.
Indications
Complete or partial reversal of opioid depression, including respiratory depression induced by opioids, including natural and synthetic narcotics, propoxyphene, methadone, nalbuphine, butorphanol, pentazocine
Diagnosis of suspected acute opioid overdose
Unlabeled uses: Dementia of Alzheimer type, tardive dyskinesia
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to opioid antagonists.
Use cautiously with opioid addiction, CV disorders, pregnancy, lactation.
Available Forms
Injection—0.4 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL
Dosages
IV administration is recommended in emergencies when rapid onset of action is required.
Adults
Opioid overdose: Initial dose of 0.4–2 mg, IV. Additional doses may be repeated at 2- to 3-min intervals. If no response after 10 mg, question the diagnosis. IM or subcutaneous routes may be used if IV route is unavailable.
Postoperative opioid depression: Titrate dose to patient’s response. Initial dose of 0.1–0.2 mg IV at 2- to 3-min intervals until desired degree of reversal. Repeat doses may be needed within 1- to 2-hr intervals, depending on amount and type of opioid. Supplemental IM doses produce a longer-lasting effect.
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