naloxone (Narcan®)

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