Understanding Anesthesiology - The Global Regional Anesthesia ...

NALOXONE
Class
Opioid antagonist. Used to counteract the effects of
opioids.
Mechanism of Action
Agonist at the opioid receptors.
Misc.
Due to the relatively short duration of action of naloxone,
“re-narcotization” can be seen when it is used to
treat respiratory depression caused by long acting
opioids such as morphine. In this case, close monitoring
is indicated and supplemental doses may be necessary.
Dose
For postoperative opioid depression: 1-2 $g/kg IV in
0.5-1 $g/kg boluses, q 2-3 minutes
For neonatal opioid depression: 10 $g/kg, q 2-3 minutes
IV. Infusion: 1-5 $g/kg/hr
Onset
1-2 minutes
Duration
30-60 minutes
Elimination
Hepatic
Effects
CNS
Rapid reversal of opioid effect can cause delirium and
severe pain.
CVS
When opioid effect is abruptly antagonized there can
be significant sympathetic activation leading to hypertension,
tachycardia and in susceptible individuals, myocardial
ischemia and pulmonary edema.
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