Drug Detail:Naloxone (nasal) (Naloxone (nasal) [ na-lox-one ])
Generic Name: Naloxone Injection [ nal-OKS-one ]
Drug Class: Antidotes
Uses of Naloxone Injection:
- It is used to avoid side effects from some drugs.
- It is used to treat some overdoses.
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Naloxone Injection?
- If you are allergic to naloxone injection; any part of naloxone injection; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take naloxone injection with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Naloxone Injection?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take naloxone injection. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- If you are addicted to pain drugs and are given naloxone injection, you may have signs of withdrawal. Talk with your doctor.
- In infants younger than 4 weeks old who have been getting opioid drugs on a regular basis, sudden withdrawal may be life-threatening if not treated right away. Get medical help right away if your child has a seizure, is crying more than normal, or has increased reflexes.
- Very bad side effects have happened when naloxone injection has been given after surgery. This includes high or low blood pressure, abnormal heartbeats, and certain lung or heart problems. Sometimes, these side effects have led to brain problems, coma, and death. Talk with the doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
- If naloxone injection is used during pregnancy, it may cause withdrawal in the unborn baby. A doctor will need to check on the unborn baby after naloxone injection is used.
How is this medicine (Naloxone Injection) best taken?
Use naloxone injection as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as a shot into a muscle, vein, or into the fatty part of the skin.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Get medical help right away.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of high or low blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
- Seizures.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain or pressure.
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat.
- A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
- Feeling agitated.
- Mood changes.
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
- Shakiness.
- Sweating a lot.
What are some other side effects of Naloxone Injection?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Dizziness.
- Irritation where the shot is given.
- Hot flashes.
- Flushing.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Naloxone Injection?
- If you need to store naloxone injection at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about naloxone injection, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Frequently asked questions
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