Naloxone Hcl (Naloxone Hcl)
Overview of Naloxone Hcl
Naloxone Hcl is a semisynthetic opiate-receptor antagonist. Naloxone Hcl is the n-allyl derivative of oxymorphone. Classically, Naloxone Hcl is used to reverse the clinical effects of opiate analgesics, besides treatment of opiate overdose, it has been used to reverse the effects of ethanol and benzodiazepines, to reverse hypotension associated with spinal injury, to improve neurologic recovery after ischemic stroke, and to treat hypercapnic COPD, although response in these conditions is not as dramatic or predictable as when reversing the effects of opiates. Naloxone was approved by the FDA in 1971. Naloxone antagonizes both the toxic and clinical effects of opiates. Thus, not only are respiratory depression, hypotension, and sedation reversed, but so is analgesia. Clinicians should use discretion when considering administering naloxone to patients who are sedated from opiates but do not exhibit respiratory depression. Reversal of analgesia is undesirable in patients known to be in severe pain. It should not be used for drowsiness unless opiate-induced respiratory depression coexists.
Indication of Naloxone Hcl
Naloxone Hcl is primarily indicated in conditions like Cerebral infarction, CNS depression, Mental illness, Overdosage with opioids, Poisoning, Prohylaxis of stress ulceration, Reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression, Spinal cord trauma, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Opioid dependence, Pain, Shock.
Contraindication of Naloxone Hcl
No data regarding the contra indications of Naloxone (HCl) is available.
Side Effects of Naloxone Hcl
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Naloxone (HCl), which give rise to further complications include Hypertension.,Naloxone (HCl) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Ventricular fibrillation, Pulmonary edema, Ventricular arrhythmias. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Naloxone (HCl) therapy.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Naloxone (HCl) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea and vomiting.
Precautions of Naloxone Hcl
Naloxone should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or lactation. It should be used with caution in patients with any pre-existing heart disease, if taking any type of pain reliever for more than 2 weeks or any allergy.