NALOXONE (nah-lox-own)

• Reversing the action of too much opioid medicine
• Morphine over-sedation — see Complications with opioid injections
• Heroin overdose

Doses

• Reverses the action of opioid medicines (eg morphine) by attaching to and blocking the parts of the brain (receptors) where opioids work

• Agitation

Fast pulse (heart rate)

Anxiety (worry)

Confusion
(if dependent on opioids)

• Need to repeat dose until person alert and responsive
• Long-acting medicines (eg methadone, or slow-release tablets) — may need longer observation period

 

 

Urgent medical consult

• May need more than 1 dose

• Make sure oxygen and ventilation are available to support person until naloxone works
• Watch person for at least 2 hours — effects of opioid may return as naloxone wears off. May need to give another dose