Naloxone (Narcan) Drug Information

Classification Opioid antagonist

Pharmacology Prevents or reverses the effects of opioids by blocking the , and opioid
receptor sites in the central nervous system
respiratory depression
sedation
hypotension

Has no pharmacological effect in the absence of opioids:

produces withdrawal symptoms
Indications Acute opioid overdose or complete or partial reversal of opioid depression:
respiratory depression

Contraindications Hypersensitivity to naloxone or any ingredient in the formulation

o naloxone hydrochloride
o methylparaben
o propylparaben

Precautions Naloxone should be used with caution in clients with pre-existing cardiac
disease or in clients receiving potentially cardiotoxic drugs. Reports of
hypotension, hypertension, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia,
and pulmonary edema have been reported in post-operative patients
receiving naloxone.
Warnings Pregnancy
Data is limited regarding the effects of naloxone on the fetus. Pregnancy is
not a contraindication for naloxone administration.
Lactation/Breast-Feeding
It is not known whether naloxone is excreted into human breast milk.
Consideration of the risks and benefits of administration should be applied.
Dose Initial dose of 0.4mg followed by a repeat 0.4mg dose every 2 minutes prn.
Each THN Kit contains two 0.4mg/mL vials.
Route of Intramuscular (IM) or Subcutaneous (SC)
Administration
Onset 2-5 minutes
Duration of Depends on the route of administration and can range from 30120
Action minutes.
Individuals treated with naloxone should go to the Emergency Department.
Metabolism and Rapidly metabolized in the liver with a half-life of 3060 minutes in adults.
Excretion Excreted in the urine.
Storage and Store between 1530C and protect from light.
Stability Keep out of reach of children.

This resource tool has been adapted for use with permission from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control
Harm Reduction Program