Naloxone |
Presentation |
• 0.4mg in 1ml amp | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pharmacology |
• A narcotic antagonist | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Actions |
• Prevents or reverses the effects of narcotics | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Metabolism |
• By the liver | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Primary Emergency Indications |
• Altered Conscious State and respiratory depression secondary to administration of narcotics or related drugs Adult Paed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Contraindications |
• Nil of signifcance in the above indication | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Precautions |
• If Pt is known to be physically dependent on narcotics, be prepared to
deal with a combative Pt after administration • Neonates |
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Route of Administration |
• IM • IV |
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Side Effects |
• Symptoms of narcotic withdrawal: • Sweating, goose fesh, tremor • Nausea and vomiting • Agitation • Dilatation of pupils, excessive lacrimation • Convulsions |
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Special Notes |
• Since the duration of action of Naloxone is often less than that of the
narcotic used repeated doses may be required. • Naloxone reverses the effects of narcotics with none of the actions produced by other narcotic antagonists when no narcotic is present in the body. (For example, it does not depress respiration or cause pupillary constriction). In the absence of narcotics, Naloxone has no perceivable effects. • Following a narcotic associated cardiac arrest Naloxone should not be administered. Maintain assisted ventilation. • Following head injury Naloxone should not be administered. Maintain assisted ventilation if required. • In neonates if the mother has had a narcotic analgesic within one hour prior to delivery, the baby may have narcotic related respiratory depression for which diluted Naloxone may be advised on consultation. |
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Therapeutic Effect |
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