Naloxone

Question 1

Naloxone Intro

Answer 1

Naloxone is a pure opioid antagonist that exerts its effect by competitive inhibition at the opioid receptor sites. It prevents or reverses the effects of opioids, including respiratory depression, sedation and hypotension. In the absence of opioids it exhibits essentially no pharmacological activity.

Question 2

Naloxone Indications

Answer 2

Reversal of respiratory depression in a suspected narcotic overdose.

Question 3

Naloxone Contraindications

Answer 3

Hypersensitivity to Naloxone

Question 4

Naloxone Precautions / Notes

Answer 4

• Polypharmacy overdose.
• Half-life of naloxone is < 1 hour; repeat doses may be required to maintain effect with longer acting opioids and those with active metabolites (e.g. methadone, diphenoxylate, codeine). Observe patients who respond to naloxone for 2-3 hours after administration for signs of re-narcotisation.
• Response to Naloxone is rapid; reconsider diagnosis if there is a failure to respond to 2 mg Naloxone.
• Patients may be aggressive post Naloxone and administration due to hypoxia. Scene safety and personal safety are paramount.
• IN naloxone is only for EMT scope only, unless no other routes available.

Question 5

Naloxone Special Considerations (Side Effects)

Answer 5

Withdrawal symptoms such as:

• Aggression
• Agitation
• Nausea/vomiting
• Dilated pupils and lacrimation

Question 6

Naloxone Presentation

Answer 6

0.4mg (400mcg) in 1ml