The Uses of Naloxone in Medicine

Naloxone can negate the life-threatening depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system. It's chemical structure is similar to that of oxymorphone, an opiate analgesic. These two drugs are both similar to thebaine, an opiate. Nalaxone occurs as a white to slightly off-white powder. IT is soluble in water,dilute acids, and in a strong alkali. It is slightly soluble in alcohol and insoluble in ether and chloroform.

Nalaxone is injected usually with an IV drip. However it can also be administered through intra muscular inejction and intranasal injection.

Nalaxone has been distributed in emergency kits to heroin users and statistics show that it reduces the rate of fatal opiate overdose. It can also inhibit he effects of PCP, ketamine, and dextromethorphan. Enternal naloxone has been proven to reduce gastritis (inflamation of the gastric mucus) and oesophagitis (infamation of the esophagus).

It it also used in a detoxification medicine called Suboxone. First let's start out wiht Subotex. It is a detox drug that is on Buprenorphine (a weaker opiate). It helps weaken the intensity of the detox. However Suboxone is four parts Buprenorphine and one part Nalaxone. That way, the patient will detox slower and the opiates won't do as much harm. The naloxone can cause the patient to go into complete withdrawal.

Serious side effects include chest pain or fast/irregular heartbeats, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizures, or difficulty breathing. Less serious side effects include dizziness, weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarhea, feeling nervous,restless or excited, sweating, runny nose, or trembling.

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