Naloxone

Summary

Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is a short-acting opioid antagonist. It is primarily used to treat opioid overdose by reversing respiratory depression and CNS depression. A key side effect of naloxone is its potential to trigger acute opioid withdrawal in patients who are physically dependent on opioids. Naloxone can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or as an intranasal spray. Since it is shorter-acting than most opioids, repeated doses may be necessary to prevent the return of overdose symptoms.

Key Points

• Naloxone (Narcan)
  • Mechanism
    • Opioid Antagonist
      • Blocks opioid receptors
      • Short Acting
        • Depending on route of administration, the duration is between 30-120 minutes
  • Clinical Use
    • Treats opioid overdose
      • Reverses respiratory depression
      • Reverses CNS depression
  • Side Effects
    • Causes withdrawal symptoms (if patient is dependent on opioids)
      • Symptoms of withdrawal include abdominal cramping, hypertension, nausea/vomiting, restlessness
      • Contraindicated in patients with opioid dependency
    • Causes reversal of analgesia
      • Post-op patients may begin to experience pain
  • Administration
    • May need multiple doses
      • Because naloxone is short acting, opioid duration may last longer than naloxone duration
      • Frequently monitor respiratory status
    • IM, IV, or Intranasal Spray