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Questions and Answers
What is the classification of Narcan?
What is the classification of Narcan?
Opioid antagonist
What is the mechanism of action of Narcan?
What is the mechanism of action of Narcan?
Reverses the effects of opioids by competing for opiate receptors in nervous tissue.
What is the onset and duration of action for Narcan?
What is the onset and duration of action for Narcan?
Onset: 2 minutes, Duration: 30-60 minutes
What are the indications for administering Narcan?
What are the indications for administering Narcan?
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What are the contraindications for Narcan?
What are the contraindications for Narcan?
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What is the recommended dosage of Narcan for adults?
What is the recommended dosage of Narcan for adults?
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What is the dosage of Narcan for pediatric patients?
What is the dosage of Narcan for pediatric patients?
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What does Narcan come supplied as?
What does Narcan come supplied as?
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What precautions should be taken when administering Narcan?
What precautions should be taken when administering Narcan?
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What are the adverse reactions associated with Narcan?
What are the adverse reactions associated with Narcan?
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What clinical consideration should be made if there is no improvement after 3 doses of Narcan?
What clinical consideration should be made if there is no improvement after 3 doses of Narcan?
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Study Notes
Naloxone (NARCAN) Overview
- Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose effects.
- It acts by competing for opioid receptors in the nervous system.
Mechanism of Action
- Reverses respiratory depression caused by opioid agonists.
- Acts rapidly, with an onset time of approximately 2 minutes.
Duration of Action
- Effects last around 30 to 60 minutes, necessitating possible repeat doses for prolonged opioid effects.
Indications
- Recommended for decreased level of consciousness (LOC) or respiratory depression in suspected opioid overdoses.
- Effective in newborns showing respiratory distress if the mother has used narcotics within the past 4 hours.
Contraindications
- Not to be administered to individuals with known allergies to naloxone.
- Avoid use in newborns if the mother is a chronic narcotic user.
Dosage Guidelines
- Adults: Administer 0.8 mg via IV or IM; may repeat every 2 minutes as needed.
- Pediatric: Administer 0.1 mg/kg IM, maximum of 2 mg. Divide doses to ensure no single injection exceeds 2 mL.
- Newborns: Administer 0.1 mg/kg IM with no repeat doses.
Supplied Formulation
- Available as 0.4 mg per mL in ampules.
Precautions
- Immediate action upon administration, but effects may be shorter than the opioids' duration.
- Repeat doses may be necessary and can trigger withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent individuals.
- No pharmacological effect if no opioids are present.
- Classified as Pregnancy Category B, with reported seizures not directly linked to naloxone usage.
- May not effectively reverse hypotension.
Adverse Reactions
- No significant adverse reactions noted.
Clinical Considerations
- If there is no improvement after three doses, a differential diagnosis should be considered for the patient's condition.
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Description
This quiz covers essential information about Naloxone (NARCAN), including its mechanism of action, duration of effects, and dosage guidelines. Learn about the indications and contraindications for its use in reversing opioid overdoses, especially in adults and newborns. Test your knowledge on this critical life-saving medication.
