# Naloxone Hydrochloride

#### **GENERIC NAME**

#### Naloxone Hydrochloride

#### **TRADE NAME**

#### Narcan

#### **DESCRIPTION**

Naloxone is used to reverse the effects of narcotic overdose, including respiratory depression caused by both natural and synthetic narcotic analgesics.

#### **HOW SUPPLIED**

Prefilled syringe: 2 mg / 2 mL

#### **INDICATIONS**

- Complete or partial reversal of central nervous system depression, especially in cases of respiratory depression caused by narcotics and synthetic narcotic analgesics

#### **CONTRAINDICATIONS**

- Allergy or hypersensitivity to Naloxone
- Patients who have been intubated

#### **MECHANISM OF ACTION**

Naloxone reverses the effects of natural and synthetic narcotic agents, including respiratory depression, by competitively binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system.

#### **SIDE EFFECTS**

- Flushing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Can induce rapid withdrawal symptoms in patients dependent on narcotics (use cautiously and only when respiratory depression is present)
- IM administration has a longer onset of action compared to IV administration

#### **AUTHORIZATION**

**EMT:** Standing order (first dose only, IM/IN only)

**AEMT:** Standing order (first dose only, IM/IN only)

**Paramedic:** Standing order

#### **DOSAGE**

<table border="1" id="bkmrk-patient-type-route-d"><tbody><tr><th>Patient Type</th><th>Route</th><th>Dosage</th></tr><tr><td>Adult</td><td>IV/IO/IM/IN</td><td>0.5 mg increments, titrate to respiratory sufficiency</td></tr><tr><td>Pediatric</td><td>IV/IO/IM/IN</td><td>0.1 mg/kg, max 2 mg per dose; may repeat every 2 minutes, up to a total of 4 doses</td></tr></tbody></table>

##### **Administration Notes:**

- Titrate doses to achieve adequate respiratory effort, rather than complete reversal of sedation.
- Use cautiously in patients who are opioid-dependent, as it may precipitate acute withdrawal symptoms.
- If given via the IM route, the onset of action may be delayed compared to IV administration.