Download 1301 Pharmacology Drug List

Brand Name: Narcan
Drug Class: Opioid antagonist
Generic Name: naloxone
Usual Adult Dose: 0.4 – 2mg I.V., I.M., or subcutaneously; repeating every 2 – 3
minutes, p.r.n.
Therapeutic Action: May displace opioid analgesics from their receptors
(competitive antagonism); drug has no pharmacologic activity of its own.
Major Contraindications/Cautions:
1. Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to drug.
2. Use cautiously in patients with cardiac irritability or opioid addiction. Abrupt
reversal of opioid-induced CNS depression may result in nausea, vomiting,
diaphoresis, tachycardia, CNS excitement, and increased blood pressure.
Major Adverse Effects
1. CNS: seizures
2. CV: ventricular fibrillation
3. Respiratory: pulmonary edema
Nursing Implications
1. Duration of action of opioid may exceed that of naloxone, and patients may
relapse into respiratory depression.
2. Patients who receive drug to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression may
exhibit tachypnea.
3. Respiratory rate increases within 1 – 2 minutes.
Client Teachings
1. Reassure family that patient will be monitored closely until effects of opioid
resolve.