Description and indication for use
Naloxone Hydrochloride is a pure
competitive opiate antagonist with little or no agonist activity. It is used
for the complete reversal of narcotic-induced respiratory and CNS depression in
the newborn infant.
Dose
Do not give to infants of narcotic dependent
mothers.
IV and IM:
0.1 mg/kg/dose - repeat as necessary.
IV infusion:
0.01 mg/kg/hr – titrated to response since
its action is shorter than most opioids.
Reconstitution/Dilution
Ampoule = 0.4 mg in 1 mL (400 micrograms in
1 mL).
IV or IM STAT:
Withdraw ordered dose, no dilution required.
IV infusion:
Withdraw ordered dose and make up to
ordered volume of infusion fluid, either Sodium Chloride 0.9% or Glucose
5%.
Route and method of administration
Give IV or IM.
IV:
Give over 1 minute.
Side effects
Side effects are rare and are most likely
to occur if an acute withdrawal syndrome is precipitated in infants of narcotic
dependent mothers.
These symptoms include, tachycardia, tachypnoea,
tremors, elevated blood pressure, vomiting and lethargy.
Special precautions
CAUTION in patients with tachycardia.
Contraindications:
Known hypersensitivity to Naloxone.
Infants of narcotic dependent mothers (may
precipitate acute withdrawal syndrome).
Infants with no respiratory depression or
with respiratory/CNS depression from a non-narcotic cause.
Incompatibilites
Naloxone must not be mixed together with
alkaline solutions, eg. Sodium Bicarbonate.
Nursing responsibilities
Observe infant closely for response to Naloxone.
Half-life is shorter than that of Morphine,
therefore close observation after administration is required to recognise the
need for further doses.