Naloxone reverses the effects of narcotics used during surgery or in the treatment of pain. It can also be used to treat narcotic overdose or help diagnose whether a person is addicted to these drugs.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a narcotic. It works by reversing the effects of other narcotics through mechanisms that have not yet been completely identified. It works as an antagonist, binding to the same opioid receptors.
How should Naloxone be taken?
Naloxone is administered by medical staff via injection (intramuscularly or intravenously).
Side effects associated with Naloxone
You should contact your doctor if naloxone triggers:
- Agitation
- Feeling of faintness
- Bradycardia
- Weakness or breathlessness
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Paleness
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Cough with frothy sputum
- Chest pain
- Irregular or accelerated heartbeat
- Severe headaches
- Vision problems
- Throbbing in the neck or ears
- Nosebleeds
- Confusion
- Convulsions
In the case of treatment for narcotic addiction, the drug can cause withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Sweating
- Muscle aches
- Weakness
- Runny nose
- Nervousness, restlessness or irritability
- Goosebumps or chills
- Heavy heartbeat
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Naloxone
Before starting treatment with naloxone, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drugs or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from heart disease, seizures, head injury or brain tumors, drug addiction or alcoholism
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
