| Drug and Dosage | Use | Action | Assessment: Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naloxone HCl (Narcan)—IV 0.1–0.2 mg repeated q2–3 min prn up to 0.4–2 mg for narcotic-induced respiratory depression | Reverses respiratory depression due to narcotics | Reverses respiratory depression of morphine SO4, meperidine HCl, and methadone HCl; does not itself cause respiratory depression, sedation, or analgesia | No common side effects; tachycardia, hypertension; nausea and vomiting with high doses |
| NURSING IMPLICATIONS: Note time, type of narcotic, dosage received; not useful with CNS depression from other drugs; respiratory depression may return; monitor closely | |||