Naloxone Injection

Generic name: naloxone (injection)
Dosage forms: injectable solution (0.4 mg/mL; 1 mg/mL; 2 mg/0.4 mL)
Drug class: Antidotes

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone Injection can reverse or block the effects of opioids, which can cause extreme drowsiness and slowed breathing as well as loss of consciousness. Sometimes, opioids are referred to as a drug called a narcotic.

Naloxone injection is utilized in emergency situations to treat an opioid overdose that could be affecting the child or adult.

Naloxone is not recommended as a substitute for medical treatment for overdoses.

Naloxone can also be used to assist in determining if a person is taking an overdose of opioids.¶

Warnings

Naloxone injection is used to treat an overdose of opioids. An overdose of opioids could cause death, the signs could include extreme drowsiness and numbness of eyes, slow breathing, or even no breathing.

In an emergency, it may not be feasible until you have been treated to inform your medical professionals about any health issues or if you’re nursing or pregnant. It is important that the doctor who cares for you following the incident knows you’ve received Naloxone.

Someone who cares for you may give Naloxone in the event that you cease breathing or don’t awake. Be sure that anyone who cares for you understands where you store your naloxone and how to utilize it.

Your caregiver needs urgent help following the Naloxone injection. You may need another injection every 2 or 3 minutes until help arrives.

Drinking alcohol can trigger certain adverse effects associated with naloxone.

Naloxone can impair your thinking or reaction. Be cautious when you drive or perform any activity that requires you to be vigilant.

If you’re using any painkiller that is narcotic the effects of pain relief from the drug will be reduced when you’re also taking this medication.

Before taking this medication, you must consult your physician

It is not recommended to treat with this medication if are allergic to his medication.

If you can, prior to receiving the naloxone injection, you should inform your physician if:

If you suffer from heart issues, heart failure, or
you are breastfeeding or pregnant.

The use of naloxone during pregnancy pregnant can cause withdrawal effects on your baby. However, experiencing an overdose of opioids can cause death for both the pregnant mother as well as the baby. It is much more crucial to deal with an overdose within the mother. You should seek medical emergency assistance following the use of this medicine. Make sure that all emergency medical personnel know you are pregnant.

If you take opioids while pregnant, your baby may develop a dependence on the medication. This can cause severe withdrawal symptoms for the infant after it is born. Children who are dependent on opioids could require medical treatment for a period of time.

In the event of an emergency situation, it is possible that you won’t be able to tell your caregivers that you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Check with any doctor who is a caregiver for your baby or your pregnant is aware that you have taken naloxone.

What are the methods of giving naloxone?

Follow the exact dosage of Naloxone prescribed by your physician. Follow the directions on your prescription label, and go through all the medication guides or instructions.

Naloxone is injected directly into a muscle or underneath the skin. The injection could be administered by a medical professional or emergency medical specialist or even an individual in the family or caregiver who has been trained to administer the injection.

If you’re an adult caregiver or family member follow the directions when you receive the medication. If you are given it by your doctor, you can use your “trainer” device to practice injecting the medicine so that you’ll be able to administer it in the event of an emergency. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for any additional questions.

Make sure you are able to spot the symptoms of an overdose in someone you care for. The signs of an overdose could include:

Breathing is slowed, or there is the absence of breathing;
tiny or pinpoint pupils in the eyes.
low heartbeats; or
Extreme drowsiness is common, particularly the case if you’re incapable of waking the person who is asleep.

Even if you’re not certain that an overdose of opioids occurred, if the person has stopped breathing or appears nonresponsive, administer the injection immediately and seek urgent medical attention.

Don’t assume that the overdose has been over when symptoms start to get better. You should seek immediate help following the injection of naloxone even if the person is awakened. You might need to administer CPR (cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) on the patient as you wait for emergency assistance to arrive.

Naloxone injections into muscles are administered in the thigh’s outer. In the event of an emergency, you can administer an injection under the clothes.

After injecting Naloxone, remain with the patient and look for any signs of overdose. It is possible to administer the injection again every two or 3 minutes until emergency assistance arrives. Be sure to follow all instructions for medication.

Keep at room temperature, far from heat and moisture. Do not take the medication if it has changed color or has particles within it. Call your pharmacist to inquire about a new medication.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Opioid Overdose:

Initial dosage: 0.4 mg to 2 mg IV. Alternately, can be administered IM or subcutaneously
If the desired response isn’t attained Doses should be repeated in 2 to 3-minute intervals
If there is no response at a dose that is 10 mg or more, diagnosis an opioid-inducing or partial opioid-induced toxicity must be challenged.

Inject 0.4 mg (1 activation) IM or subcutaneously into the anterior aspect of your thigh (through the clothing, if needed)
If the desired response isn’t reached, a new dose could be administered within two or three minutes. Additional doses could be given every 2 to 3 minutes until medical aid arrives.
Comments:
The IV route is suggested in times of emergency because it offers the fastest time to take action.
The duration of effects of certain opioids is longer than that of this medication and therefore, repeated doses might be necessary The need for repeated doses will be contingent on the size of, type, and method that the drug that is being tamed.

Usual Adult Dose for Reversal of Opioid Sedation:

Dose for the first time: 0.1 or 0.2 mg IV in 2 to 3 minutes intervals until the desired level of Reversal
The addition of doses IM have been proven to have a more lasting result

Intravenous Infusion:

A level of 0.004 mg/mL could be administered via IV infusion. Titrate according to the patient’s response

Comments:
– To reverse the partial effects of the depression triggered by opioids after the use of opioids in surgery, smaller doses of Naloxone are typically sufficient. more than necessary doses could cause a significant reduction in analgesia, as well as an increase in blood pressure.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Opioid Overdose:

Neonates:
Dose for the first time: 0.01 mg/kg IV, in the IM or subcutaneously; Repeat dose between 2 and 3 minutes, as required

Children:
The initial dose is 0.01 mg/kg IV. If the desired response cannot be achieved, you may offer 0.1 mg/kg IV
If the IV route is not accessible, may administer IM or subcutaneously with divided doses

Administration 0.4 mg (1 activation) IM or subcutaneously into the anterolateral side of the leg (through clothing, if needed) If you are not able to achieve the desired response A second dose can be administered within two or three minutes. Additional doses can be given every 2 up to 3 minutes until medical attention arrives.
Under 1-year-old The thigh muscle must be pounded while administering injections

Comments:

Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome can be life-threatening and must be treated as per the protocols devised by experts in neonatology.
To prevent the onset of withdrawal symptoms from opioids, think about using a naloxone-based product that can be dosed in accordance with the weight and then titrated in order to take effect.
The duration of the actions of certain opioids may surpass that of this drug so repeated doses could be required and the necessity for repeated doses will be contingent on the quantity, type, and method of administration of the opioid being targeted.
Patients must be kept under continuous monitoring. If a patient responds but then returns to respiratory depression, more doses must be administered.
Other measures to support and/or resuscitate could be beneficial while waiting for medical emergency assistance.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Reversal of Opioid Sedation:

Neonates:
The dose to start: 0.01 mg/kg IV in the IM or subcutaneously, in 2 to 3-minute intervals until the desired level of Reversal

The children: 0.005 mg to 0.01 mg IV at 2 to 3 min intervals according to the level of reverse

Intravenous Infusion:
A level of 0.004 mg/mL can be delivered via IV infusion. Titrate according to the patient’s response

Comments:
For the partial reverse of depression caused by opioids following the use of opioids in surgery, lower doses of Naloxone are typically sufficient. higher doses than the ones required may cause a significant reduction in analgesia, as well as an increase the blood pressure.

If I don’t take the dose?

Since the medicine is utilized when it is needed there is no time frame for dosage.

How do I react if consume too much?

Get medical attention immediately or contact toll-free the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I stay clear of while using Naloxone?

Be sure to not leave someone alone after having given them an injection of naloxone. Overdoses can alter the person’s ability to think or react.

Naloxone side effects

Contact a medical professional immediately If you exhibit symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction to the drug naloxone such as hives; difficulty breathing and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.

Since naloxone neutralizes the effects of opioids the administration of naloxone can trigger sudden withdrawal symptoms, such as:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
sweating, fever, and body aches;
shaking or shivering, rapid heart rate, beating heartbeats, elevated blood pressure
goose bumps shaking;
Runny nose; yawning or
being anxious, restless, or angry.

The sudden withdrawal symptoms of infants younger than 4 weeks could be life-threatening if they are not handled in the proper manner. Symptoms include crying stiffness, stiffness, seizures, and hyperactive reflexes. Contact your doctor or seek urgent medical attention if are unsure of what to do when giving the medicine to your baby.

This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other medications can alter the effects of naloxone?

Other medications can be incompatible with naloxone, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter as well as vitamins and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all your current medications as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.

Jump To