About naloxone hydrochloride
Opioid receptor antagonist
Used for
- Reverses slowed or stopped breathing from opioid overdose
- Reverses opioid effects after surgery
- Helps diagnose suspected opioid overdose
Usual adult dose
Overdose: 0.4–2 mg into a vein, muscle, or under the skin; repeat every 2–3 minutes as needed. Post-surgery: small, titrated intravenous doses.
Usual dose in children
Overdose: 0.01 mg/kg intravenously; repeat or increase to 0.1 mg/kg if needed. Post-surgery: carefully titrated intravenous doses.
Common side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating, tremor, or agitation
- Rapid heartbeat or increased blood pressure
- Sudden opioid withdrawal symptoms
Important warnings
- Emergency medical care is still needed after overdose reversal; effects may wear off before opioids do.
- Can trigger severe withdrawal in people dependent on opioids.
- Rarely, serious heart problems, seizures, or fluid in the lungs occur.
- Repeat doses or infusion may be needed for long-acting opioids.
Pregnancy
Use for suspected opioid overdose when needed; untreated overdose threatens both pregnant person and fetus. May trigger withdrawal.
Breastfeeding
No important exposure is expected because naloxone is rapidly broken down and poorly absorbed by mouth; treat overdose urgently.
Interactions
- Opioid pain medicines and opioid-dependence medicines: naloxone can reverse their effects and trigger withdrawal.
- No other major interactions are generally expected.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.