Naloxone

Question 1

What is the Pharmacology of Naloxone

Answer 1

An opioid antagonist

- Prevents and reverses the effects of opioids

Question 2

What is the Presentation of Naloxone and how is it Metabolized

Answer 2

Presentation
- 400mcg in 1ml

Metabolized
- by the liver

Question 3

What are the Indication and Contraindications of Naloxone.

Answer 3

Indications

- Altered conscious state or respiratory depression secondary to administration of opioids or related drugs.

Question 4

What are the Side Effects and Precautions of Naloxone

Answer 4

Side Effects.

• Symptoms of Opioid withdrawals.
  
  • Sweating, goose flesh or tremor
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Agitation
  • Dilated Pupils/ lacremation.
  • Convulsions.

Precautions

• Neonates
• IF patient is know to be physically dependent on opioids then be prepared for combative patients after administration.

Question 5

Route of Administration and Special Notes.

Answer 5

Route of Administration
IM
IV

Special notes

• The duration of action of Naloxone is often less than opiates. therefore repeat doses may be necessary.
• Naloxone reverses the effects of opioids with non of the actions produced by other opioid antagonist when no opioid is present in the body. For example (it doesn’t depress respiration or cause papillary constriction). In the absence of opioids naloxone has no precevable effects.
• Following an opioid related cardiac arrest, naloxone Should not be administered, maintain assisted ventilation if required.
• Following head injuries, naloxone should not be administered, maintain assisted ventilation if required.

IV effects 
- Onset: 1 - 3 Minutes
- Peak: N/A
- Duration: 30 - 45 minutes
IM effects
- Onset: 1 - 3 Minutes
- Peak: N/A
- Duration: 30 - 45 Minutes.