Naloxone

Naloxone

Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference
Trade names	Narcan
Therapeutic class	Antidote (opioid reversal)
Pharmacologic class	Opioid receptor antagonist
Onset / peak / duration	Onset 1 to 3 minutes IV, slightly slower intranasal or IM; duration 30 to 90 minutes (shorter than many opioids).
Half-life / level	Short; no routine level.
Routes	IV, IM, SubQ, Intranasal
High-alert (ISMP)	No
Black box warning	None
Antidote / reversal	Not applicable.
Pregnancy / lactation	Use in emergencies; may precipitate fetal withdrawal.

Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.

Naloxone (brand name Narcan) — Antidote (opioid reversal); Opioid receptor antagonist.

Identification

• Therapeutic class: Antidote (opioid reversal).
• Pharmacologic class: Opioid receptor antagonist.

Pharmacology

• Mechanism of action: Competitively displaces opioids from receptors to reverse respiratory depression and sedation.
• Onset / peak / duration: Onset 1 to 3 minutes IV, slightly slower intranasal or IM; duration 30 to 90 minutes (shorter than many opioids).
• Half-life / therapeutic level: Short; no routine level.

Clinical use

• Indications: Opioid overdose, reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression.
• Usual dose, route, frequency: IV, IM, SubQ, or intranasal; repeat every 2 to 3 minutes as needed.
• Maximum dose / adjustments: Repeat doses often needed because it wears off before the opioid; higher or repeated doses for potent opioids.

Safety

• Contraindications: Hypersensitivity.
• Black box warning: None.
• Interactions: Reverses all opioid effects.
• Pregnancy / lactation: Use in emergencies; may precipitate fetal withdrawal.
• High-alert: No.

Adverse effects

• Common side effects: Acute withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients (agitation, sweating, nausea, pain).
• Serious effects to report: Recurrent respiratory depression as it wears off, pulmonary edema, severe agitation.
• Antidote / reversal: Not applicable.

Nursing process

• Assessment before administration: Respiratory rate, level of consciousness, opioid exposure.
• Interventions during therapy: Continue to monitor because opioids can outlast naloxone; be ready to repeat doses; call for emergency help.
• Monitor: Respiratory rate, consciousness, pain, withdrawal signs.
• Evaluation / expected outcome: Restored breathing and consciousness.

Patient teaching

• Patient teaching: Teach families to use take-home naloxone and to call emergency services even after a dose.
• Notify provider if: Breathing slows again after improvement.
• Administration tips: Repeat as needed; effect is shorter than most opioids.