Monday March 16, 2009

Q: Describe any other related IV use of Narcan (NALOXONE), beside its use as an anti-dote for narcotic overdose?


Answer: To counter-act pruritus associated with epidural analgesia.

To neutralize pruritis caused by an opiate, without compromising analgesic effect - continuous drip can be prepared with 4 mg of Narcan in 250 cc D5W or D5NS = 16 mcg/cc and can be given at rate of 1 mcg/kg/h. It can be titrated upto 5 mcg/kg/h as tolerated.

Related Previous Pearl: Oral Narcan for opioid induced constipation !