Side effects from narcan

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Side Effects from Narcan (Naloxone)

Introduction to Narcan (Naloxone)

Narcan, also known as naloxone hydrochloride, is a medication primarily used to counter the effects of opioid overdose. It works by antagonizing the pharmacologic effects of narcotics, effectively reversing life-threatening respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose .

Common Side Effects of Narcan

While Narcan is a life-saving drug, it is not without its side effects. One of the most commonly reported adverse effects is nausea and vomiting, which occurs in a significant number of patients (up to 90%) following its administration . This high incidence of gastrointestinal discomfort is a notable drawback of the medication.

Cardiovascular Reactions

Narcan can also have cardiovascular side effects. Although it generally causes a slight decrease in systolic blood pressure, there have been instances of paradoxical hypertensive reactions. For example, a case was reported where a patient developed significant hypertension after receiving naloxone, despite having a history of mild essential hypertension . This suggests that while Narcan is generally safe, it can occasionally cause unexpected cardiovascular responses.

Conclusion

In summary, while Narcan is an essential medication for reversing opioid overdoses, it is associated with several side effects, including a high incidence of nausea and vomiting and potential cardiovascular reactions such as paradoxical hypertension. These side effects highlight the need for careful monitoring and management when administering Narcan to patients.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Hypertensive Reaction to Naloxone

Naloxone hydrochloride was administered during the procedure, and the patient developed a paradoxical hypertensive reaction, requiring immediate hospitalization for treatment.

Case ReportHighly Cited

1974·

86citations

·G. Y. Tanaka

Zebrafish Models to Understand Respiratory Depression and Analgesia by Opioids and to Identify Safe Opioid Pain Therapies

Zebrafish models can help identify safe opioid pain therapies by understanding respiratory depression and analgesia effects, enabling safer prescriptions.

2019·

0citations

·Shenhab Zaig et al.

Slow‐sustained delivery of naloxone reduces typical naloxone‐induced precipitated opioid withdrawal effects in male morphine‐dependent mice

Slow-sustained release of naloxone from a nanoparticle reduces precipitated opioid withdrawal symptoms in male morphine-dependent mice, without significant side effects.

Non-RCTAnimal StudyVery Rigorous Journal

2020·

20citations

·Lakeisha A Lewter et al.

Naloxone (Narcan®) treatment in depression: Clinical observations and effects on CSF endorphins and monoamine metabolites

Naloxone treatment changes endorphin and serotonin activity in depressed patients, but not to a clinically observable extent.

Non-RCT

1977·

23citations

·L. Terenius et al.

Naloxone-associated morbidity and mortality.

Naloxone may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly in patients with pre-existing cardiac abnormalities, and should be closely monitored for these effects.

1981·

38citations

·T. Pallasch et al.

Ventricular irritability associated with the use of naloxone hydrochloride. Two case reports and laboratory assessment of the effect of the drug on cardiac excitability.

Naloxone hydrochloride should be used with caution in patients with cardiac irritability, as it may cause ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation.

Case ReportHighly Cited

1974·

98citations

·L. L. Michaelis et al.

Naloxone treatment for codeine-induced gastrointestinal symptoms.

Naloxone effectively relieves gastrointestinal symptoms caused by codeine, suggesting its potential use in treating opiate-related gastrointestinal issues.

Case Report

1984·

3citations

·M. Fossel et al.

Narcan as biomedical panic: The war on overdose and the harms of harm reduction

Narcan, a drug used to reverse opioid overdoses, is paradoxical and terminal, diverting attention from addiction's structural causes and reinforcing the state's punitive drug war.

2020·

8citations

·Philip R. Kavanaugh

Antagonism of acute alcohol intoxication by naloxone.

Naloxone hydrochloride effectively reverses liver disturbances and lowers blood-ethanol concentrations in acutely ethanol-intoxicated rats, without affecting the preservative in Narcan ampoules.

Non-RCTAnimal Study

1984·

13citations

·A. Badawy et al.

Naloxone: a word of caution.

Naloxone is a useful opioid antagonist for treating opioid-induced depression and side effects, but its use in orthopaedic nursing should be accompanied by awareness of potential complications.

1990·

3citations

·D. Burke et al.

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