• ABSTRACT
    • Naloxone hydrochloride, a synthetic N-allyl derivative of oxymorphone, is an effective agent for the reversal of the cardiovascular and respiratory depression associated with narcotic and possibly some non-narcotic overdoses. It is essentially a pure narcotic antagonist, is relatively safe, and is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic agent. Due to naloxone's pharmacokinetic profile, a continuous infusion protocol is recommended when prolonged narcotic antagonist effects are required. The complex pharmacodynamics of naloxone, specifically relating to endorphin receptor sites, focus its potential use in a variety of clinical situations as continuing research illustrates the association of endogenous opioid compounds with various disease states.