Management of known or suspected opioid overdose
RECOMMENDED DOSING FOR NALMEFENE HCI INJECTION ADMINISTRATION1,*
Patients without
opioid dependency
Patients with known or
suspected opioid dependency
withdrawal in 2 minutes, proceed with the initial dose below
Further information on Nalmefene HCl administration
- The primary administration route of Nalmefene is intravenous (IV) 1
- Nalmefene can also be given intramuscularly (IM) or subcutaneously (SC) if venous access cannot be established1
- Nalmefene is intended for parenteral use only. It is not intended or indicated for intranasal use with a nasal atomizer
Important considerations for Nalmefene HCl administration
FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATIONS CAN
HELP AVOID PRECIPITATED WITHDRAWAL
- Using higher doses or shorter intervals between incremental doses is likely to increase the incidence and severity of acute withdrawal symptoms1
Nalmefene, like other opioid antagonists, is known to produce acute withdrawal symptoms that may require medical attention and, therefore, should be used with extreme caution in patients with known physical dependence on opioids.1
The recommended doses of Nalmefene were selected with the goal of achieving a prompt opioid reversal in a controlled manner.1
- Using higher doses or shorter intervals between incremental doses is likely to increase the incidence and severity of acute withdrawal symptoms1
Nalmefene, like other opioid antagonists, is known to produce acute withdrawal symptoms that may require medical attention and, therefore, should be used with extreme caution in patients with known physical dependence on opioids1
DURATION OF ACTION AND POTENTIAL FOR RECURRENCE
OF RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION1
Although Nalmefene has a long duration of action, the recurrence of respiratory depression can occur, even after an apparently adequate initial response to Nalmefene1
Patients treated with Nalmefene should be observed until, in the physician’s opinion, there is no reasonable risk of recurrent respiratory depression1
The duration of action of Nalmefene can vary depending on1:
- The half-life and plasma concentration of the narcotic being reversed
- The presence of other drugs affecting the brain or respiratory muscles
- The dose of Nalmefene administered
Although Nalmefene has a long duration of action, the recurrence of respiratory depression can occur, even after an apparently adequate initial response to Nalmefene.1
Patients treated with Nalmefene should be observed until, in the physician’s opinion, there is no reasonable risk of recurrent respiratory depression1
The duration of action of Nalmefene can vary depending on1:
- The half-life and plasma concentration of the narcotic being reversed
- The presence of other drugs affecting the brain or respiratory muscles
- The dose of Nalmefene administered
for Nalmefene