DTP Naloxone (Narcan)

Question 1

Naloxone drug class

Answer 1

Opioid antagonist

Question 2

Pharmacology of naloxone

Answer 2

Prevents or reverses the effects of opioids including respiratory depression, sedation and hypotension.

Question 3

Metabolism of naloxone

Answer 3

Liver

Question 4

Indications of naloxone

Answer 4

Respiratory depression secondary to narcotic administration.

Question 5

Contraindications of naloxone

Answer 5

KSAR

Question 6

Precautions of naloxone

Answer 6

Use with caution on pts with pre-existing cardiac disease

Question 7

Side effects of naloxone

Answer 7

1. Narcotic reversal can cause combativeness, vomiting, sweating, tachycardia and hypertension
2. May produce acute withdrawal convulsions in the chronic narcotic user
3. Pulmonary oedema

Question 8

Presentation of naloxone

Answer 8

400mcg in 1 ml

Question 9

Onset of naloxone

Answer 9

IV 1-3 mins

IMI 3-5 mins

Question 10

Schedule for naloxone

Answer 10

S4 restricted drugs

Question 11

Naloxone special notes

Answer 11

1. Vast majority of pts will ONLY need supportive therapy followed by Tx to hospital.
2. The duration of the narcotic may outlast the duration of naloxone and renarcotisation is possible
3. No necessity for IV access unless they have sustained an injury or have another medical condition

Question 12

Naloxone Duration

Answer 12

60 mins,

Question 13

Naloxone Half-life

Answer 13

60 mins

Question 14

Nalaxone Administration Notes

Answer 14

1. Administered following adequate ventilation and oxygenation
2. Administered cautiously to pts that are known to have physical dependence to narcotics, this includes newborn infants.
3. Administration of naloxone in the prehospital setting will unmask potentially unwanted side effects in the poly pharmacy setting.