naloxone (Narcan®)
Indication
- A narcotic antagonist used to reverse narcotic induced effects such as respiratory depression
Dosage Guidelines
- 0.1 mg (0.25 mL)/kg/dose IV/SUBCUT q3-5 minutes until initial improvement seen, may need to repeat q1-2 hours until reversal of narcotic effect is complete
Administration
- IV direct over 1-2 minutes
- SUBCUTANEOUS
Adverse Effects
- Acute opioid withdrawal syndrome (vomiting, sweating, tachycardia, tremors, hypertension, agitation)
Comments
- Use with caution in long-term narcotic exposure
- Half-life is 1 to 3 hours (half-life of morphine is 10 to 20 hours)
- No longer part of NRP recommendations for newborns with diminished respiratory drive
Supplied As
- 0.4 mg/mL, 1 mL ampoule
References
LexiComp Sick Kids, LexiComp Pediatric and Neonatal