Naloxone

What is naloxone?

Naloxone is a drug used to reverse the effects of opioids. It is used primarily under direct supervision of a veterinarian.

It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. 

In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.

How do I give my pet naloxone?

Naloxone comes in nasal spray and injectable forms. 

• Nasal sprays are given intranasally (directly into the nose). 
• Injectable forms are given intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously (under the skin).
• Follow your veterinarian or pharmacist’s directions on how and when to administer this medication.
• Seek immediate veterinary care after administering this medication and/or if there is a suspected opioid overdose.

This medication should take effect quickly, within a few minutes.

What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

Seek immediate veterinary care and follow your veterinarian’s directions. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

Are there any potential side effects from naloxone?

Naloxone may cause the following side effects:

• changes in breathing rate
• reversal of analgesic (pain relief) effects

The following reactions are rare, but if they occur, contact your veterinarian immediately:

• an allergic reaction such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face

Drug sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment. 

Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This medication is short-acting, meaning that effects will last 1–3 hours, though effects may last longer in pets with kidney or liver disease.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

Naloxone should NOT BE USED in pets who are allergic to any component of the medication 

Naloxone should be USED WITH CAUTION in pets who:

• have preexisting heart conditions
• are opioid dependent

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

Certain medications should be USED WITH CAUTION when given with naloxone, including but not limited to: 

• apomorphine
• clonidine
• meperidine
• opioid agonist-antagonists (e.g., butorphanol)
• opioid partial agonists (e.g., buprenorphine)
• yohimbine

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.

Is any monitoring needed with this medication?

Your veterinarian will let you know when they want to reassess your pet to ensure the medication is working and not causing side effects. 

How do I store naloxone?

• Store at room temperature. 
• Protect from light and heat.
• Keep medication out of reach of children and pets.

Ask your veterinarian for specific disposal instructions. Do not flush medicines down the sink or toilet unless instructed to do so. 

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Adverse effects should be reported to the FDA or Health Canada.