Naloxone Hydrochloride Flashcards
What type of drug is naloxone hydrochloride
Opioid antagonist
Naloxone hydrochloride presentation
400mcg per 1ml ampoule
Naloxone hydrochloride indications
The reversal of acute opioid or opiate toxicity for respiratory arrest or respiratory depression
- Unconsciousness associated with respiratory depression with an unknown cause where opioid toxicity is likely
- in cardiac arrest where opioid toxicity is the likely cause
- patient is exposed to high potency veterinary or anaesthetic preparations, should be given naloxone if consciousness is impaired, exposure occurred within 10 mins, if an antidote is supplied with the opioid medication.
Naloxone actions
Complete or partial reversal of the respiratory depression effect of opioid drugs
Aims to restore adequate respirations but not necessarily to restore full consciousness
Naloxone contraindications
Neonates born to opioid addicted mothers can suffer withdrawal effects. Preferable to use BVM ventilations and oxygen
Naloxone side effects
Violent withdrawal symptoms - titrate naloxone doses
Vomiting - ensure access to suction
Naloxone IM administration Info
drug should be undiluted into the outer aspect of the thigh or upper arm
Why all patients who have experienced an opioid overdose should go to hospital…
the duration of action of naloxone is 30-90 mins and this is shorter than some opioids, so additional doses will likely be required
patients who have ingested methadone require observation for at least 8 hours
If a patient who has experienced an opioid overdose refuses to go to hospital what should happen?
if the patient consents - 800mcg IM of naloxone
Leave patient in the care of a responsible adult and leave advice leaflet of action to be taken if symptoms reoccur
Naloxone Routes
IV/IO: administer slowly, 1ml at a time. For known or potentially aggressive patients suffering resp depression, dilute up to 800mcg into 8ml of water
IV/IO naloxone dosage for adults
initial dose: 400mcg
repeat dose: 400mcg
dose interval: 3min
volume: 1ml
max dose: 4,000mcg
IV/IO naloxone dosage for 5-11 yrs
initial dose: 2,000mcg
repeat dose: seek advice
volume: 5ml
IV/IO naloxone dosage 4 yrs
initial dose: 1,600mcg
repeat dose: 400mcg
volume: 4ml
IV/IO naloxone dosage 2-3 yrs
initial dose: 1,200mcg
repeat dose: 800mcg
volume: 3ml
IV/IO naloxone dosage 18 months
initial dose: 1,000mcg
repeat dose: 1,000mcg
volume: 2.5ml
