Naloxone Hydrochloride (Narcan®)

Question 1

Narcan - Class

Answer 1

Narcotic antagonist

Question 2

Narcan - Actions

Answer 2

Opioid receptor antagonist (reverses the effects of narcotics)

Question 3

Narcan - Indications

Answer 3

Narcotic overdose with depressed respirations of 12/min or less, pinpoint pupils, and circumstantial evidence of drug use

Question 4

Narcan - Dosage/Route

Answer 4

• 2 mg IM OR 0.5 mg IVP

* May repeat prn

Question 5

Narcan - Side Effects

Answer 5

None

Question 6

Narcan - Contraindications

Answer 6

None

Question 7

Narcan - Special Information

Answer 7

• For pain management patients who are narcotic dependent, use small dose and titrate higher if needed to avoid sudden reversal of narcotic effects
• Quick onset of action (30 sec for IV to 2 min for IM)
• Assess effectiveness through pt reassessment
• Initial response may be temporary, watch for a relapse
• Can precipitate withdrawal syndrome and/or combative behavior in pt with a narcotic OD
• Do not insert ET tube prior to administration
• Large dose required to reverse Darvon
• Effective against natural and synthetic narcotics (Codeine, Darvon, Demerol, Dilaudid, Heroin, Lomotil, Methadone, Morphine, Paregoric, Percodan, Talwin, Sublimaze)

Question 8

Narcan - Pediatric Note

Answer 8

• Refer to Pediatric Drug Guide

* 0.1 mg/kg IV or IM to a max of 2 mg