Usual Adult Dose for Opioid Overdose:
Initial dose: 0.4 mg to 2 mg IV; alternatively, may give IM or subcutaneously
-If desired response is not obtained, doses should be repeated at 2 to 3 minute intervals
-If no response is observed with a total dose of 10 mg, the diagnosis of opioid-induced or partial opioid-induced toxicity should be questioned
-Administer 0.4 mg (1 actuation) IM or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh (through clothing if necessary)
-If desired response is not achieved, a second dose may be administered after 2 or 3 minutes; additional doses may be administered every 2 to 3 minutes until emergency medical assistance arrives
Comments:
-IV route is recommended in emergency situations since it has the most rapid onset of action.
-The duration of action of some opioids exceed that of this drug, therefore, repeat doses may be needed; the need for repeat doses will depend on the amount, type, and route of administration of the opioid being antagonized.
Usual Adult Dose for Reversal of Opioid Sedation:
Initial dose: 0.1 to 0.2 mg IV at 2 to 3 minute intervals to the desired degree of reversal
-Supplemental doses administered IM have been shown to produce a longer lasting effect
Intravenous Infusion:
-A concentration of 0.004 mg/mL may be administered by IV infusion; titrate in accordance with patient's response
Comments:
-For the partial reversal of opioid depression following the use of opioids during surgery, smaller doses of naloxone are usually sufficient; larger than necessary doses may result in significant reversal of analgesia and increases in blood pressure.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Opioid Overdose:
Neonates:
Initial dose: 0.01 mg/kg IV, IM, or subcutaneously; repeat dose every 2 to 3 minutes as needed
Children:
Initial dose: 0.01 mg/kg IV; if desired response is not obtained, may give 0.1 mg/kg IV
-If IV route is not available may give IM or subcutaneously in divided doses
-Administer 0.4 mg (1 actuation) IM or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh (through clothing if necessary); if desired response is not achieved, a second dose may be administered after 2 or 3 minutes; additional doses may be administered every 2 to 3 minutes until emergency medical assistance arrives
-Under 1 year of age: Thigh muscle should be pinched while administering injection
Comments:
-Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome may be life-threatening and should be treated according to protocols developed by neonatology experts.
- To avoid precipitating opioid withdrawal symptoms, consider use of a naloxone product that can be dosed according to weight and titrated to effect.
-The duration of action of some opioids will exceed that of this drug, therefore, repeat doses may be needed; the need for repeat doses will depend on the amount, type, and route of administration of the opioid being antagonized.
-Patients should remain under continued surveillance; if a patients responds and relapses back into respiratory depression, additional doses should be given.
-Additional supportive and/or resuscitative measures may be helpful while awaiting emergency medical assistance.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Reversal of Opioid Sedation:
Neonates:
Initial dose: 0.01 mg/kg IV, IM or subcutaneously at 2 to 3 minute intervals to the desired degree of reversal
Children: 0.005 mg to 0.01 mg IV at 2 to 3 minute intervals to the desired degree of reversal
Intravenous Infusion:
-A concentration of 0.004 mg/mL may be administered by IV infusion; titrate in accordance with patient's response
Comments:
-For the partial reversal of opioid depression following the use of opioids during surgery, smaller doses of naloxone are usually sufficient; larger than necessary doses may result in significant reversal of analgesia and increases in blood pressure.
 Detailed Naloxone dosage information
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since this medicine is used when needed, naloxone has no dosing schedule.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
