Emergency Drugs · Opioid antagonist
Naloxone
Dose
IV 0.1–0.4 mg every 2 min titrate to respiratory rate; IM/IN 0.4–2 mg; infusion 2/3 of effective bolus/h
Mechanism
Competitive µ-receptor antagonist — reverses opioid effects
Indications
- • Opioid overdose with respiratory depression / coma
Use
Short half-life (~30 min) — beware re-narcotisation; continue infusion if long-acting opioid.
Monitoring
RR, GCS, SpO₂, withdrawal symptoms.
Side effects
- • Acute opioid withdrawal
- • Pulmonary oedema (rare)
- • Re-sedation
Related in WardRound
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
