Actions
Opioid antagonists block (or antagonize) opiate-receptor 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
1. Preferred route of administration is intravenously; response is within 1 to 2 minutes, and
peak action is within 20 to 60 minutes.
2. 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.
3. If patient has a history of opioid dependency, administration of Narcan may produce
symptoms of acute withdrawal.
4. If accidental poisoning or possible narcotic overdose is a concern, Narcan is usually
administered.
5. Not effective against barbiturates or other central nervous system depressant medications
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