Question

A patient receiving morphine has an order for naloxone (Narcan) PRN. Why is the naloxone ordered? What are the indications for using this drug? Compare and contrast naloxone with other narcotic antagonists.

Answer 1

A patient is receiving morphine I. e. Opioid which causes drowsiness depression respiratory depression in its overuse

Narcan or naloxone is antagonist used to treat patients taking opioid so it is ordered here

It reverses effects of opioid in body such as drowsiness respiratory depression

Indication of narcan

1 In suspected or known acute opioid overdose

2 In blood pressure management in septic shock patients

Naloxone and naltrexone are commonly used antagonist for opioids

Naloxone is used in emergency in acute opioid depression

While naltrexone is used opioid and alcohol dependence

Both drugs act by blocking receptors for opioid hence called antagonist