POISONS: NALOXONE

Question 1

NALOXONE: INDICATIONS

Answer 1

• Opioid toxicity associated with respiratory and/or neurological depression

Question 2

NALOXONE: MOA

Answer 2

• Binds to opioid receptors (opioid u-receptors) where it acts as a competitive antagonist
• If opioid is present, naloxone displaces it from its receptors and it reverses its effects
• In opioid toxicity = used to restore an adequate level of consciousness and respiratory rate

Question 3

NALOXONE: ADVERSE EFFECTS

Answer 3

• Where naloxone is administered to reverse opioid toxicity in an opioid-dependent individual, an opioid withdrawal reaction may be precipitated
• This presents with pain (if the opioid was being taken for its analgesic effect), restlessness, nausea and vomiting, dilated pupils, and cold, dry skin with piloerection (‘cold turkey’)
• Naloxone has no other significant adverse effects

Question 4

NALOXONE: WARNINGS

Answer 4

• No specific contraindications
• Exercise with caution in patients who have developed OPIOID DEPENDENCE (could precipitate opioid withdrawal)
• Lower doses should be used in PALLIATIVE CARE (reduce the risk of complete reversal of analgesia)

Question 5

NALOXONE: INTERACTIONS

Answer 5

• No clinically important drug interactions other that its interaction with opioids