Naloxone Hydrochloride, Injection nal-OKS-ohn hy-droh-KLOR-ide

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: narcotic antagonist

Generic and brand names: naloxone hydrochloride, injection

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection (shot):

• to reverse the effects of medicines used during surgery
• to treat narcotic overdose
• for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• head or brain injury or disease
• heart disease
• kidney or liver disease
• problems with drug or alcohol abuse
• seizures

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without discussing with your healthcare provider.

How do I use it?

These injections are given by a healthcare provider. The number of shots you will receive depends on the narcotic drug used, how much was used, and how the narcotic was given (just under the skin, into a muscle, or into a vein).

What should I watch out for?

You will be watched very closely after you receive this medicine. If you have any trouble breathing or shortness of breath tell your healthcare provider right away. You may need more of this medicine.

This medicine may cause withdrawal symptoms if you have a tolerance of or a dependence on narcotics. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help. Also, drinking alcohol may make it worse. Do not drink alcohol unless your healthcare provider approves.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Continued trouble breathing, fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, seizures.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, sweating, tremors, restlessness, dizziness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• cough medicines such as guaifenesin/codeine (Tussi-Organidin, Robitussin AC), hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine (Tussionex), and hydrocodone/homatropine
• narcotic painkillers such as buprenorphine (Subutex, Buprenex), codeine, fentanyl (Duragesic, Actiq), hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin, Lortab), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin, Oramorph SR), oxycodone (Oxy-Contin), oxycodone/acetaminophen (Percocet, Tylox), and pentazocine (Talwin)

DO NOT drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.