Disclaimer to the Online Edition
This Manual has been designed for use in the NICU at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), London, Ontario, Canada, and represents clinical practice at this institution. The information contained within the Manual may not be applicable to other centres. If users of this Manual are not familiar with a drug, it is recommended that the official monograph be consulted before it is prescribed and administered. Any user of this information is advised that the contributors, Editor and LHSC are not responsible for any errors or omissions, and / or any consequences arising from the use of the information in this Manual.
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