Naloxone
Molecule Description
Naloxone is an Opioid antagonist which is used for the treatment of Opioid depe
ndence and Opioid overdose.
Uses of Naloxone
- Opioid overdose
- Reversal of respiratory depression and other nervous system symptoms caused by Opioids
- Reversal of respiratory depression and other CNs symptoms in newborn babies whose mothers have received Opioids during delivery
Contraindications of Naloxone
When should one not use Naloxone
Allergy to Naloxone.
Side effects of Naloxone
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Sedation
- Headache
- Inability to concentrate
- Difficulty in breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Shaking
- Fits
- Change in blood pressure (low or high)
- Fever
- Sweating
- Runny nose
- Diarrhea
- Feeling or being sick
- Stomach cramps
Precautions and Warnings of Naloxone
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Naloxone during pregnancy?
A:
You should not take this medicine during pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Naloxone while breastfeeding?
A:
It is not advised to take this medicine during breastfeeding. If considered necessary to be accompanied by a nursing mother, avoid breastfeeding for about 24 hours. Doctor’s advice is mandatory.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Naloxone?
A:
It is not recommended to drive or operate heavy machinery when taking this medicine.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Naloxone?
A:
It is considered unsafe to consume alcohol with this medicine.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- Naloxone has to be given with caution in patients with Opioid overdose and addiction
- Close monitoring by a doctor is needed
- Withdrawal symptoms may occur
- Tell your doctor if:
- You experience any discomfort or breathing trouble after taking this medicine
- You have an allergy to this medicine
- All your medical conditions and ongoing treatments
Mode of Action of Naloxone
How Does It Work?
This medicine works by blocking or reversing the effects of Opioids, including difficulty in breathing, sedation and low blood pressure.
Interactions of Naloxone
Interactions with other medicines
- Decreased effects of Opioid Analgesic Naltrexone
- Buprenorphine
- MAO inhibitor medicines like Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, etc.
- Fluoxetine
- Cardiopulmonary effects may occur with cardiotoxic medicines
Interactions with food items
No interaction with food has been reported yet.
Dosage of Naloxone
Overdose
This medicine is used to treat Opioid overdose and is mostly administered by a healthcare professional in a calculated dose. Hence, overdose of this medicine is extremely rare. Additionally, it is a fast-acting medicine with short half-life and is thrown out of the body very quickly. Excesses if at all, will be eliminated by the body soon....
Missed a Dose
If you missed any dose, take it as early as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosage schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for a missed one....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Ravi Kakarla
MBBS, MBA
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Naloxone?
A: Give a detailed account of your medical, surgical and allergy history. The doctor should also know about other health supplements like herbal medications, nutritional supplements that you may take before starting this medication.
Q: What precautions should I take while on this medication?
A: The dosage regimen of the medicine should be followed regularly. Any dose miscalculation will have severe effects.
References
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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