A chronic pain patient being treated with opioids may benefit from the added safety of being prescribed naloxone.
Indications for naloxone:
(1) history of overdose
(2) history of substance use disorder
(3) daily opioid dose > 50 MME
(4) comorbidities or medications associated with respiratory depression and/or sedation and/or sleep apnea
Intranasal naloxone is the preferred formulation.
The naloxone should be readily available to the patient. It may be stored in a cabinet with a prominent sign indicating its location. The storage location should have a stable temperature and avoid temperature extremes.
Family and friends should be educated in how to administer the naloxone and what steps to take afterwards.
Most formulations of intranasal naloxone have a shelf life of 18 months. Expired naloxone should be replaced.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
