Narcotic Antagonists : Naloxone , Actions, Uses, Side effect.

 Narcotic Antagonists: Naloxone 

Actions 

Opioid antagonists block ( or antagonize ) opiate-receptors sites, principal use is the treatment of opioid overdose. 

Uses

• Reverse the opiate effects of narcotic overdose and respiratory depression 

Contraindications and precautions 

• Patients who are using nonopioid drugs
• Neonates and children 
• Patients with a history of dependency; may precipitate acute withdrawal

Side Effects 

• Too rapid reversal of narcotic depression-nausea, vomiting, tremors, hypertension 
• Minimal pharmacologic effects in absence of narcotics 
• Reversal of analgesia 

Nursing implications 

• Preferred route of administration is intravenously; response is within 1 to 2 minutes, and peak action is within 20 to 60 minutes. 
• Patient should be frequently assessed; if the narcotic analgesic lasts longer in the system than the action of the Narcan antagonist, then respiratory depression may recur.
• If patient has a history of opioid dependency, administration of Nacran may produce symptoms of acute withdrawal.
• If accidental poisoning or possible narcotic overdose is a concern, Narcon usually administered. 
• Not effective against barbiturates or other central nervous system depressant medications.