Nalaxone

Question 1

What is another name for Nalaxone?

Answer 1

Narcan

Question 2

What is another name for Narcan?

Answer 2

Nalaxone

Question 3

What type of drug is Narcan?

Answer 3

Opioid antagonist

First line agent in suspected opioid overdose

Question 4

What is the onset of Narcan?

Answer 4

within 2 minutes

Question 5

What is the duration of Narcan?

Answer 5

30-60 minutes

Question 6

What are indications for Narcan?

Answer 6

• complete or partial reversal of CNS and respiratory depression induced by opioids including:
  
  • Morphine
  • Heroin
  • Hydromorphone
  • Methadone
  • Meperidine
  • Paregoric
  • Fentanyl
  • Oxycodone
  • Codeine
  • Butophanol Tartrate
  • Pentazocine
  • Nalbuphine
• decreased LOC
• coma of unknown origin

Question 7

What are contraindications of Nalaxone?

Answer 7

• hypersensitivity
• use cautiously with narcotic-dependent patients who may experience withdrawal syndrome (including neonates with dependent mothers)
• avoid use in Meperidine induced seizures

Question 8

What are adverse reactions of Narcan?

Answer 8

• tachycardia
• hypertension
• dysrhythmias
• N/V
• diaphoresis
• blurred vision
• withdrawal (opiate)

Question 9

What are some drug interactions with Nalaxone?

Answer 9

incompatible with bisulfite and alkaline solutions

Question 10

How is Narcan supplied?

Answer 10

0.4mg/mL (1, 10 mL)

1mg/mL (2mL vial)

Question 11

What is the dosage of Narcan?

Answer 11

IV:
0.4mg titrate until ventilation is adequate
up to 6-10mg over short period (10min)

IM/SubQ:
0.4-0.8mg

Question 12

What are some special considerations for Narcan?

Answer 12

• pregnancy safety category C
• efficacy of IN route is being researched
• some seizures have been reported
• may not reverse hypotension
• use caution and give smaller doses to addicts
• rare anaphylactic reactions have been reported