Naloxone (Narcan)

Question 0

Narcan - MOA (mechanism of action)

Answer 0

Competitive inhibition of narcotic receptor sites, reverse respiratory depression secondary to depressant drugs, completely inhibits the effects of morphine.

Question 1

Narcan - Class

Answer 1

Narcotic antagonist

Question 2

Narcan - Indications

Answer 2

Opiate overdose, coma; complete or partial reversal of CNS and respiratory depression induced by opiates; decreased level of consciousness; coma of unknown origin; narcotics agonist for the following: morphine, heroin, hydromorphone (dilaudid), methadone, meperidine (Demerol), paregoric, fentanyl (sublimaze), oxycodone (percodan), codeine, propoxyphene (Darvon); narcotic agonist and antagonist for the following; butorphanol (stadol), pantazocine (Talwin), nalbuphine (Nubain)

Question 3

Narcan - contraindications

Answer 3

Use with caution in narcotic-dependent patients; use with caution in neonates of narcotic-addicted mothers.

Question 4

Narcan - adverse reactions

Answer 4

Withdrawal symptoms in the addicted patients. Tachycardia, hypertension, arrhythmias, nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis.

Question 5

Narcan - drug interactions

Answer 5

Incompatible with bisulfite and alkaline solutions.

Question 6

Narcan - how supplied

Answer 6

0.4 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL

Question 7

Narcan - route

Answer 7

IV, intranasal

Question 8

Narcan - dosage and administration

Answer 8

Adult: 0.4-2.0 mg IV, minimum recommended dose, 2.0 mg; repeat at 5-minute intervals to a maximum dose of 10 mg (medical control may request higher amount).

Question 9

Narcan - duration of action

Answer 9

Onset: within 2 minutes. peak effects: variable. Duration : 30-60 minutes.

Question 10

Narcan - special considerations

Answer 10

Pregnancy safety: category B. Seizures without casual relationships have been reported. May not reverse hypotension. Use caution when administering narcotic addicts (potential violent behavior)