| Drug Index |
| GENERIC NAME : |
| naloxone |
| BRAND NAMES : |
| Narcan |
| STREET NAMES : |
| none known |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION : |
| Naloxone hydrochloride, a narcotic antagonist, is a synthetic congener of oxymorphone. In structure it differs from oxymorphone in that the methyl group on the nitrogen atom is replaced by an allyl group. Naloxone Hydrochloride Injection is available as a non-preserved sterile solution for intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous administration, in the 0.4 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL concentrations. Naloxone hydrochloride prevents or reverses the effects of opioids, including respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure). Also, it can reverse the psychotomimetic (psychotic-like behavior) and dysphoric (negative mood) effects of agonist-antagonist such as pentazocine (Talwin). Naloxone hydrochloride is an essentially pure narcotic antagonist ( i.e., it does not possess the "agonistic" or morphine-like properties characteristic of other narcotic antagonists) and essentially blocks or reverses the effects of opoid agonists. Naloxone does not produce respiratory depression, psychotomimetic effects or pupillary constriction. In the absence of narcotics or agonistic effects of other narcotic antagonists it exhibits essentially no pharmacologic activity. |
| INDICATIONS FOR USE : |
| Naloxone hydrochloride injection is indicated for the complete or partial reversal of narcotic depression, including respiratory depression, induced by opioids including natural and synthetic narcotics, propoxyphene, methadone and certain narcotic-antagonist analgesics: nalbuphine, pentazocine and butorphanol. Naloxone hydrochloride is also indicated for the diagnosis of suspected acute opioid overdosage. Naloxone hydrochloride injection may be useful as an adjunctive agent to increase blood pressure in the management of septic shock. |
| ABUSE AND ADDICTIVE POTENTIAL : |
| Naloxone has not been shown to produce tolerance or to cause physical or psychological dependence. In the presence of physical dependence on narcotics Naloxone will produce withdrawal symptoms. |
| OVERDOSAGE : |
| There is no overdosage syndrome know. |
| CAUTIONS : |
| Abrupt reversal of narcotic depression may result in nausea, vomiting, sweating, tachycardia, increased blood pressure, tremulousness, seizures and cardiac arrest. In postoperative patients, Iarger than necessary dosages of Naloxone hydrochloride may result in significant reversal of analgesia, and in excitement. Hypotension, hypertension, ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, and pulmonary edema have been associated with the use of Naloxone postoperatively. |
| SIDE EFFECTS : |
| * see cautions |
| FOR MORE INFORMATION : |
*This is a condensed description of this naloxone. For more details check with your physician, pharmacist, or resources such as The Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR) http//www.rxlist.com/script/main/hp.asp http://www.usdoj.gov/ndic/index.htm#Top |
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