Naloxone (Narcan)

Question 1

Indication

Answer 1

Respiratory depression and suspected opioid overdose. Constricted pupils

Question 2

Dosage

Answer 2

Nasal atomizer: 4 mg
Injection: 0.4 to 2 mg

Question 3

Administration

Answer 3

Give O2 via BVM for 30 seconds before administration, continue to ventilate after administration

Nasally via nasal atomizer every 2 to 3 minutes as needed

Question 4

Contrandications

Answer 4

No absolute contraindications

Question 5

Side effects

Answer 5

Opioid withdrawal symptoms: nausea, vomiting, pain, agitation

Patient may become violent, especially if they have also taken stimulants such as methamphetamines

Question 6

Duration of effect

Answer 6

Duration of affect may be less than the duration of the opioid ingested, resulting in relapse, therefore patients need to be reassessed frequently

Give more Narcan if the patient does not come back in two or three minutes

Roll in the recovery position once the patient comes back