How does it work?

Naloxone hydrochloride belongs to a class of medicines known as opioid antagonists, which block the actions of opioid medicines. Opioids are similar to morphine in structure and are commonly used for their potent, pain killing properties. Other illegal opioids such as heroin, also produce similar effects, but are more likely to cause dependence or addiction. Excessive opioid intake or abuse is known to cause reduced lung function (respiratory depression), which can be life threatening. Naloxone acts by specifically blocking opioid receptors in the brain to prevent the action of opioids, and as such, it is used in the treatment of respiratory depression caused by opioid overdosage.

What is it used for?

Diagnosis of suspected sudden opioid overdosage

Reduced lung function caused by opioids (opioid-induced respiratory depression)

Warning!

This medicine should be used with caution in individuals who are dependent on opioid medicines as it can result in severe withdrawal symptoms.

Use with caution in

Disease involving the heart and blood vessels

Individuals currently dependant on opioids and those taking opioid-containing medicines.

Individuals on medicines that adversely affect the heart (cardiotoxic)

Individuals who have received very large doses of opioids

Not to be used in

Reduced lung function (respiratory depression) not due to opioid medicines

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during pregnancy, therefore it is not recommended for use during pregnancy, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Irregular heart beat (ventricular arrhythmias)

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary oedema)

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Increased heart rate (tachycardia)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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