Questions and Answers
What is the therapeutic class of naloxone?
What is the primary use of naloxone?
Treatment of acute opioid overdose
How does naloxone work?
Blocks mu and kappa opioid receptors
What should be administered if the respiratory rate is fewer than 10 breaths/minute?
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What is the onset time for IV administration of naloxone?
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What are some adverse effects of naloxone?
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Naloxone can be administered for respiratory depression caused by non-opioid medications.
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What kind of warning does naloxone have?
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What can increase the risk of hepatotoxicity when using naloxone?
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What supportive measures are required in overdose treatment?
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What interactions are associated with naloxone?
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Study Notes
Therapeutic and Pharmacologic Class
- Naloxone is categorized as a therapeutic class drug for treating acute opioid overdose.
- It functions as an opioid receptor antagonist within the pharmacologic class.
Actions and Uses
- Acts as a pure opioid antagonist, blocking both mu and kappa receptors.
- Primarily used for complete or partial reversal of opioid effects in emergencies, especially during acute opioid overdose.
- Administered intravenously, it effectively reverses opioid-induced CNS and respiratory depression within minutes.
- Induces withdrawal symptoms in patients with physical opioid dependence.
- Utilized to address postoperative opioid depression and as adjunctive therapy in reversing hypotension from septic shock.
Administration Alerts
- Should be administered when respiratory rate falls below 10 breaths per minute.
- Resuscitative equipment must be readily accessible during administration.
- Classified as pregnancy category B, indicating safety in pregnancy.
Pharmacokinetics
- Onset of action: 1-2 minutes for IV use; 2-5 minutes for IM and subcutaneous routes.
- Peak effects occur within 5-15 minutes.
- Duration of effect is approximately 45 minutes.
Adverse Effects
- Minimal toxicity associated with naloxone, but reversal of opioid effects may lead to:
- Rapid loss of analgesia
- Increased blood pressure
- Tremors and hyperventilation
- Nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness
Black Box Warning
- No black box warning exists for naloxone.
- Naltrexone, a similar medication, can cause hepatic injury if taken excessively or by those with liver disease.
Contraindications
- Not indicated for respiratory depression resulting from non-opioid medications.
Drug Interactions
- Naloxone reverses the analgesic effects of opioid agonists and mixed agonist drugs, which may affect pain management.
Herbal/Food Interactions
- Echinacea may elevate the risk of hepatotoxicity when used concurrently with naloxone.
Treatment of Overdose
- Overdose management includes oxygen, IV fluids, vasopressors, and supportive measures tailored to the situation.
- Combination drug overdose may require similar supportive therapies.
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Description
Test your knowledge on naloxone, its therapeutic and pharmacologic classes, and its actions and uses. This quiz is designed to help you understand the critical role naloxone plays in opioid overdose treatment.
