Let's Talk About Naloxone: What You Need To Know About Dosing

As the opioid crisis continues to grow so does our need for effective interventions. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medication that has been proven to be successful in reversing overdoses in some cases. While it can be a life-saving drug, there are still many misconceptions surrounding its use and dosing. In this blog post, we’ll explore what naloxone is and how medical professionals should go about properly dosing it for various age ranges and scenarios. By the end of this article, readers will be informed on why it’s important to follow proper dosing instructions when administering naloxone. 

Dosing for Medical Professionals

Naloxone is a medication that can be used to treat an overdose from opioids. It works by reversing the effects of opioids on the body and can help to restore breathing. Naloxone is available as an injection or nasal spray and should be given as soon as possible after an overdose is suspected. The dose of naloxone will vary depending on the size and weight of the person, as well as the type of opioid they have taken. It is important to start with a lower dose and increase it if needed. Naloxone should be given every 2-3 minutes until the person starts to breathe normally or until medical help arrives. If you are not sure how much naloxone to give, it is better to give too much than too little.

How does Naloxone work?

Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of opioids including overdose. It works by binding to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of opioids. Naloxone can be given intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously. The most common form of naloxone used in the United States is injectable naloxone, which is available in pre-filled syringes or auto-injectors. Naloxone has a very short half-life so it must be given repeatedly if the person continues to experience overdose symptoms. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by binding to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of opioids. Naloxone can be given intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously. The most common form of naloxone used in the United States is injectable naloxone, which is available in pre-filled syringes or auto-injectors. Naloxone has a very short half-life, so it must be given repeatedly if the person continues to experience overdose symptoms.

What Are The Side Effects of Naloxone?

Naloxone is a medication that can be used to treat an overdose of opioids, such as heroin or prescription painkillers. It works by reversing the effects of the opioids and can help to restore breathing and consciousness. However, naloxone is not without its side effects. The most common side effect is temporary withdrawal symptoms, which can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, shakiness and sweating. These symptoms are typically mild and last for a few hours. Other potential side effects of naloxone include: Low blood pressure, Fast heart rate, Tremors or seizure-like activity, Difficulty breathing. Naloxone is safe and effective when used as directed and can save lives. 

How To Administer Naloxone 

Naloxone is a medication that can be used to treat an opioid overdose. It works by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain and reversing the respiratory depression that can occur with an overdose. Naloxone is available as an injection or as a nasal spray.  The recommended dose of naloxone for treating an opioid overdose is 0.4 mg/kg (0.2 mg/lb) injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously. For patients who weigh more than 70 kg (154 lb), the recommended dose is 2 mg injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously. The maximum recommended dose is 4 mg. If you are using the naloxone nasal spray, the recommended dose is two sprays into one nostril while the patient is lying down. Each spray contains 0.1 mg of naloxone for a total dose of 0.2 mg per nostril. If you are unsure of the dosage, it is better to err on the side of caution and give a higher dose rather than a lower one. Naloxone has no adverse effects when given in doses that are too high; however, if given in too low of a dose, it may not be effective in treating an overdose. 

Who should use Naloxone?

Naloxone is a medication that can be used to treat an opioid overdose. It is a safe and effective medication that can save the life of someone who has overdosed on opioids. Naloxone is available as an injection or as a nasal spray. It is important to know how to use naloxone and how to dose it correctly in order to effectively treat an overdose. Naloxone should be used by anyone who is trained in its use and who knows how to properly administer it. This includes medical professionals such as doctors, nurses and paramedics. Naloxone should also be kept on hand by anyone who might be at risk for an opioid overdose, such as people who take opioids for pain relief or people who are addicted to opioids. 

Medical professionals' experiences with Naloxone

Medical professionals are on the front lines of the opioid epidemic and many have firsthand experience with naloxone. Here, we asked some medical professionals to share their experiences with naloxone and what they think about its use in the medical setting.

Dr. Sarah Vinson, an emergency medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, has seen firsthand how effective naloxone can be in reversing an overdose. "I've used it quite a few times in my career and it's always been successful in reversing the overdose," she says. "It's a very safe medication with few side effects, so I think it's a great tool for us to have in the fight against opioids."

However, Dr. Vinson also notes that naloxone is not a perfect solution to the opioid epidemic. "It's important to remember that naloxone is just a temporary fix," she says. "It's not going to solve the underlying problem of addiction, but it can save lives in the meantime."

Dr. Jennifer Plumb, a pediatrician at Boston Children's Hospital, agrees that naloxone is an important tool in the fight against opioids but notes that its use can be controversial. "There are definitely different opinions out there about whether or not medical professionals should be carrying and using naloxone," she says. "I think it's important for each individual to make that decision for themselves." 

Conclusion

Naloxone is an important medication that can save lives when administered correctly. As a medical professional, it's vital to understand proper dosing protocols for this medication so you can be prepared if and when a patient requires naloxone. We hope these tips have provided useful information on how to handle naloxone administration in order to ensure the safety of your patients and yourself.