NALOXONE - INJECTION

NALOXONE - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (nal-OX-one)

GENERIC NAME(S): naloxone HCl

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat known or suspected opioid (narcotic) overdose. Serious overdose symptoms may include unusual sleepiness, unusual difficulty waking up, or breathing problems (ranging from slow/shallow breathing to no breathing). Other symptoms of overdose may include very small "pinpoint" pupils, slow heartbeat, or low blood pressure. If someone has serious overdose symptoms but you are not sure if he or she has overdosed, give this medication right away anyway, since lasting slow/shallow breathing may cause permanent damage to the brain or death. Naloxone belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid antagonists. It works by blocking the effects of the opioid in the brain. This medication may not work as well to block the effects of certain types of opioids (mixed agonist/antagonists such as buprenorphine, pentazocine). With these types of opioids, blocking may be incomplete or you may need a higher dose of naloxone. Treatment of opioid overdose should also include breathing treatment (such as oxygen given through tubes in the nose, mechanical ventilation, artificial respiration).


How to use NALOXONE - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by a health care professional. It may be injected into a vein, a muscle, or under the skin. If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. The effects of this medication are rapid but not long-lasting. After giving naloxone, get medical help right away, even if the person wakes up. If symptoms return after giving an injection, give another naloxone injection every 2 to 3 minutes. Continue to closely watch the person until emergency help is received. Tell the healthcare professional that you have given an injection of naloxone.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. In someone who has been using an opioid regularly, withdrawal symptoms can happen suddenly after receiving this medication. Withdrawal symptoms may include body aches, fever, sweating, watering eyes, runny nose, sneezing, goose bumps, yawning, weakness, shivering/trembling, nervousness, restlessness, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, stomach cramps, increased blood pressure, fast heartbeat. In babies younger than 4 weeks who have been receiving an opioid regularly, sudden opioid withdrawal may be life-threatening if not treated the right way. Symptoms in babies may include seizures, crying more than usual, and muscle twitching/spasms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using naloxone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may cause opioid withdrawal in an unborn baby whose mother has been regularly taking an opioid. The doctor will carefully monitor both the pregnant woman and the unborn baby after this medication is given. Ask your doctor for details. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: Overdose in somebody not regularly taking an opioid is highly unlikely. However, if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for NALOXONE - INJECTION

Naloxone injection is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. It helps restore normal breathing and consciousness to someone who has overdosed on opioids.

Naloxone works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, blocking the effects of opioids. This helps to reverse the respiratory depression and sedation caused by opioids.

Naloxone can be administered by trained healthcare professionals, first responders, or bystanders who have been educated on its use. Many states also have laws that allow for the prescribing and dispensing of naloxone to individuals at risk of opioid overdose or their friends and family members.

Naloxone is typically administered as an injection into the muscle (intramuscular) or under the skin (subcutaneous). It can also be given intravenously by trained medical professionals. The nasal spray form of naloxone is also available for easy administration.

Common side effects of naloxone include rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and tremors. These effects are usually mild and short-lived.

Naloxone is specifically used for opioid overdose emergencies. It is not harmful if given to someone who is not experiencing an overdose, but it may cause temporary discomfort and withdrawal symptoms.

Yes, naloxone is highly effective in reversing opioid overdose when administered promptly. However, it is important to seek medical attention after administering naloxone, as the effects may wear off before the opioids are fully eliminated from the body.

The duration of naloxone's effects can vary depending on the dose and individual factors. Generally, naloxone's effects last between 30 to 90 minutes, but this can differ from person to person.

Naloxone can effectively reverse the effects of most opioids, including prescription painkillers (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone) and illicit opioids (e.g., heroin, fentanyl).



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.