Nalox 400mcg Injection: Complete Medicine Guide
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Breathing stops or becomes very slow after receiving this medicine.
- The patient does not wake up or remains deeply unconscious after a dose.
- Severe chest pain, palpitations, or fainting occurs after the injection.
- The patient develops difficulty breathing with pink frothy sputum, which may indicate fluid in the lungs.
- A seizure or uncontrolled shaking occurs after the injection.
- Severe agitation, confusion, or violent behavior develops after the injection.
- Signs of opioid toxicity return, such as extreme sleepiness, slow breathing, or pinpoint pupils, after the medicine seems to have worked.
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is Narcotan 400mcg Injection used for?
This medicine is a naloxone 400 microgram injection used as an emergency antidote to reverse opioid overdose. It works within minutes by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, restoring breathing and consciousness. It is given by a trained healthcare professional and patients must be monitored for several hours because the medicine can wear off before the opioid does.
- Generic Name: Naloxone (400mcg)
- Manufacturer: Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 Narcotan 400mcg Injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा नैलोक्सोन 400 माइक्रोग्राम इंजेक्शन है, जिसका उपयोग ओपिओइड (जैसे हेरोइन, मॉर्फिन या फेंटेनिल) के ओवरडोज़ के इलाज में आपातकालीन एंटीडोट के रूप में किया जाता है। यह दवा शरीर में ओपिओइड के असर को तेजी से ब्लॉक करती है, जिससे मरीज की सांस लौटने लगती है और होश वापस आने लगता है। यह अस्पताल में सर्जरी के बाद ओपिओइड के कारण होने वाली अत्यधिक नींद और सांस की कमी को ठीक करने के लिए भी दी जाती है। यह दवा केवल प्रशिक्षित डॉक्टर या प्रशिक्षित प्राथमिक चिकित्सक द्वारा ही दी जानी चाहिए। यह दवा शराब, नींद की गोलियों या अन्य नशीले पदार्थों के ओवरडोज़ का इलाज नहीं करती।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में उल्टी, जी मिचलाना, पसीना आना, नाक बहना, जम्हाई आना, बेचैनी और शरीर में दर्द शामिल हैं। ओपिओइड का असर अचानक खत्म होने से मरीज को दर्द, घबराहट और हृदय गति बढ़ने जैसी समस्याएं हो सकती हैं। कभी-कभी यह दवा फेफड़ों में पानी भरना, दिल की धड़कन अनियमित होना या दौरे जैसी गंभीर प्रतिक्रियाएं भी पैदा कर सकती है। ज्यादातर दुष्प्रभाव कुछ समय में खुद ही ठीक हो जाते हैं, लेकिन मरीज को डॉक्टर की निगरानी में रखना जरूरी है।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा सिर्फ प्रशिक्षित डॉक्टर या प्रशिक्षित प्राथमिक चिकित्सक द्वारा ही दी जानी चाहिए। यह आपातकालीन दवा है और इसे घर पर बिना निगरानी के नहीं लगाया जाना चाहिए। इस दवा को देने से पहले मरीज की सांस, नाड़ी और रक्तचाप की जांच की जानी चाहिए। दवा देने के बाद मरीज को कम से कम कुछ घंटों तक अस्पताल में निगरानी में रखना जरूरी है, क्योंकि दवा का असर ओपिओइड से पहले खत्म हो सकता है। अगर मरीज को नैलोक्सोन से एलर्जी है तो यह दवा न दें। गर्भवती महिलाओं, नवजात शिशुओं और हृदय रोग वाले मरीजों में इसका इस्तेमाल सावधानी से किया जाना चाहिए।
💊 Narcotan 400mcg Injection Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Opioid overdose","description":"This medicine rapidly reverses life-threatening respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose, including heroin, morphine, fentanyl, and prescription opioid painkillers.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Postoperative opioid reversal","description":"Used in hospitals to reverse excessive sedation and respiratory depression caused by opioid analgesics given during or after surgery.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Suspected opioid dependence diagnosis","description":"A small dose may be given under medical supervision to help confirm whether a patient's symptoms are due to opioid use.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Neonatal opioid exposure","description":"Used in newborns to reverse respiratory depression caused by opioids given to the mother during labor or by exposure in utero.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Treatment-resistant depression","description":"Some research has explored very low-dose naloxone as an add-on therapy, but this is not a standard or approved use.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Opioid-induced constipation","description":"Naloxone has been studied in special formulations for constipation caused by opioid pain medicines, but the injection form is not used for this purpose.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Opioid overdose
Also treats: Postoperative respiratory depression, Neonatal opioid-induced respiratory depression, Suspected opioid dependence
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Naloxone (400mcg) |
| Brand Name | Narcotan 400mcg Injection |
| Manufacturer | Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | vial of 1 ml Injection (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Parenteral (intramuscular, intravenous, or subcutaneous injection) |
| Storage | Store this medicine at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C, in its original packaging. Protect it from light and do not freeze it. Keep it out of reach of children. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life is typically 24 months from the date of manufacture, but the exact expiry date should be checked on the product label. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization includes naloxone in its list of essential medicines and supports its use for the management of opioid overdose. It recommends that people at risk of opioid overdose and their families or caregivers have access to naloxone where feasible, along with training on its use. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other tissues. Naloxone is a competitive antagonist at mu, kappa, and delta opioid receptors, with the strongest action at the mu receptor, which is the main receptor responsible for opioid-induced pain relief, euphoria, sedation, and respiratory depression. When naloxone binds to these receptors, it displaces opioid molecules and prevents them from producing their effects. Because naloxone has a very high affinity for the mu receptor but does not activate it, it quickly reverses opioid effects such as slow breathing, extreme sleepiness, and loss of consciousness. This reversal is temporary, and as naloxone is cleared from the body, opioid effects can return if opioid levels remain high.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take Narcotan 400mcg Injection
Strength: Naloxone 400 micrograms per milliliter injection, supplied as a parenteral solution.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The dose of this medicine must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the patient's condition, the suspected opioid, and the response to treatment. In an emergency opioid overdose, a common initial adult dose is 400 micrograms given intramuscularly, intravenously, or subcutaneously, and this may be repeated every 2 to 3 minutes if breathing does not improve. When given intravenously, it is often injected slowly over about 30 seconds to reduce the risk of sudden withdrawal. For postoperative opioid reversal, smaller doses may be used and adjusted to the patient's breathing and consciousness. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information for this specific product. In emergency opioid overdose in children, naloxone is used under the direction of a qualified pediatrician or emergency physician, and the dose is calculated based on the child's weight and clinical response. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, especially to changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and withdrawal symptoms. The dose should be individualized by a qualified clinician, and monitoring should be more frequent in patients above 65 years of age. |
| Renal Impairment | Dose adjustment is generally not required for a single emergency dose in patients with kidney disease. However, patients with severe kidney impairment should be monitored closely because naloxone is excreted in the urine. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Dose adjustment is generally not required for a single emergency dose in patients with liver disease. However, patients with severe liver impairment should be monitored closely because naloxone is metabolized in the liver. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | There is no fixed maximum daily dose for this medicine because it is used in emergency situations and repeated doses may be needed until the patient is stable. The total dose must be determined by a qualified clinician based on the patient's response and the amount of opioid in the body. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of Narcotan 400mcg Injection
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Morphine | Major | |
| Fentanyl | Major | |
| Buprenorphine | Major | |
| Naltrexone | Major | |
| Clonidine | Moderate | |
| Benzodiazepines | Moderate | |
| Sodium oxybate | Moderate | |
| Loperamide | Minor | |
| Anticholinergics | Minor | |
| Alcohol | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Opioid analgesics (for example, morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone)
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Clonidine
- Benzodiazepines
- Sodium oxybate
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol is not directly blocked by this medicine, and this medicine does not reverse alcohol intoxication. However, alcohol can worsen sedation and breathing problems when taken with opioids, and it may increase the risk of aspiration and injury in an unconscious patient. Patients recovering from opioid overdose should avoid alcohol until they are fully evaluated and cleared by a healthcare professional.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity or allergy to naloxone or any component of the injection","Use as a substitute for emergency medical care in a person who is not breathing","Use in a patient who is not suspected of having opioid toxicity, except under specific medical supervision"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine can cause sudden and severe opioid withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients, which may include agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased heart rate.","The duration of action of this medicine is often shorter than that of the opioid, so patients must be monitored for at least several hours and repeat doses may be needed.","This medicine does not reverse overdose caused by alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other non-opioid substances.","Use with caution in patients with heart disease, because rapid reversal can cause high blood pressure, fast heart rate, and abnormal heart rhythms.","Use with caution in pregnant women and newborns, because withdrawal can occur in the fetus or baby.","This medicine should be given only by trained healthcare professionals or trained first responders who can manage the airway and provide supportive care.","Patients should not be discharged until they have been observed for an adequate period and are stable."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Naloxone passes into breast milk in small amounts. Because it is poorly absorbed when taken by mouth, it is unlikely to cause significant effects in a breastfed baby. However, breastfeeding should be discussed with a healthcare professional after an overdose event, and the mother should be stable and free of opioids that could harm the infant.
💊 Overdose Management
This medicine is itself an antidote, and overdose with naloxone is uncommon. If too much is given, it can cause severe opioid withdrawal with agitation, vomiting, high blood pressure, and fast heart rate. Treatment is supportive and includes monitoring vital signs, managing agitation, and treating withdrawal symptoms. In a patient who is not opioid-dependent, excessive naloxone may cause nausea, sweating, and drowsiness, which usually resolve as the medicine wears off. There is no specific antidote for naloxone overdose, and care is focused on supportive measures.
⏰ Missed Dose
This medicine is given as an emergency treatment and is not used on a regular schedule, so missed doses are not applicable. If a repeat dose is prescribed and the patient's breathing or consciousness worsens before the next dose is due, emergency medical help should be sought immediately.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine must be given only by a trained healthcare professional or a trained first responder who can monitor breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It is an emergency medicine and is not meant for routine or unsupervised use. Always tell the treating team about all medicines, recreational drugs, and health conditions before this medicine is given. Because this medicine can wear off before the opioid does, the patient must be kept under medical observation for at least several hours after a dose, and repeat doses may be needed. Do not use this medicine if the person has a known allergy to naloxone. Use it with extra caution in pregnant women, in newborns, and in people with heart disease, because rapid reversal can cause stress on the heart and may precipitate withdrawal in a fetus or newborn. Never share this medicine with others, and never use it as a substitute for calling emergency services.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, especially changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and withdrawal symptoms. They should be monitored more closely, and the dose should be adjusted by a qualified clinician based on their condition and response.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy and are at risk of opioid overdose, discuss naloxone access and safe pain management with your doctor. This medicine can be used in pregnancy when medically necessary to reverse a life-threatening overdose, but it should be given under medical supervision. Opioid use during pregnancy can harm both the mother and the baby, so seek help early.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
After surgery, this medicine may be used to reverse excessive sedation or breathing problems caused by opioid pain medicines. The dose is adjusted carefully to restore breathing without causing severe pain or withdrawal. Patients should be monitored closely, and pain should be managed with a combination of non-opioid and, if needed, carefully adjusted opioid medicines.
🦷 Dental Procedures
If you are scheduled for a dental procedure and have a history of opioid use or overdose, inform your dentist and healthcare team. This medicine is not used during routine dental work, but it may be relevant if opioids are used for sedation or pain control and breathing problems occur.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
After receiving this medicine, patients should not exercise or drive until they are fully alert and cleared by a healthcare professional. Once recovered, gentle activity may be resumed as advised by the treating doctor.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine is given in an emergency and can cause drowsiness, confusion, and agitation as it takes effect. Patients should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until they are fully alert and cleared by a healthcare professional. Recovery may require time off work and follow-up care.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
This medicine is given as a short-term emergency treatment, so there is no regular schedule to stop. After the emergency is over, further doses are decided by the treating clinician. Do not stop or refuse other prescribed treatments without talking to your doctor.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
This medicine is used for short-term emergency treatment and is not intended for long-term use. There are no known long-term effects from a single or occasional dose. Patients who survive an opioid overdose need ongoing care, including addiction treatment, mental health support, and monitoring for other health problems. Repeated overdoses can cause brain injury, organ damage, or death if not treated promptly.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Another opioid antagonist with a longer duration of action that may be used in some settings for opioid overdose.
Evidence: Well-establishedA longer-acting opioid antagonist used mainly for maintenance treatment of opioid and alcohol dependence, not for emergency overdose reversal.
Evidence: Well-establishedIn severe overdose, breathing support with a bag-valve mask or ventilator may be needed along with this medicine.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. Routine vaccinations can be given as advised by your doctor, but emergency care should take priority during an overdose event.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C.
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze the injection.
✅ DO
Keep the injection in its original packaging and carton.
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer it to unmarked containers.
✅ DO
Protect it from direct sunlight and heat.
❌ DON'T
Do not store it in a hot car or near a stove.
✅ DO
Check the expiry date before use.
❌ DON'T
Do not use the medicine if the solution is discolored or contains particles.
✅ DO
Keep it out of reach of children.
❌ DON'T
Do not use it for anyone other than the person it was prescribed for.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
If you need to travel with this medicine, carry it in its original packaging with the prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining why it is needed. Keep it in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage, and store it at room temperature away from direct sunlight and extreme heat or cold. Check the customs rules of your destination country in advance, because some countries have strict rules about carrying injectable medicines. If you are traveling with someone at risk of opioid overdose, make sure you and your companions know how to recognize an overdose and how to get emergency help.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine usually starts working within 1 to 2 minutes after intravenous injection and within 2 to 5 minutes after intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
A: The effect usually lasts for 30 to 90 minutes, which may be shorter than the opioid. This is why patients must be monitored for several hours and may need repeat doses.
A: No. This medicine only reverses opioid overdose. It does not reverse alcohol, benzodiazepine, or stimulant overdose.
A: No. This medicine only reverses the immediate effects of an opioid overdose. It does not treat addiction, and ongoing care and rehabilitation are needed.
A: This medicine can be used in pregnancy when medically necessary to reverse a life-threatening opioid overdose. The decision should be made by a qualified clinician, and the newborn should be monitored for withdrawal.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for Narcotan 400mcg Injection
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
nalox 400mcg injectionSamarth Life Sciences Pvt Ltd ₹97.31 51.3% CHEAPER
-
nex 400mcg injectionNeon Laboratories Ltd ₹97.31 51.3% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Naloxone can cure opioid addiction.
Fact: Naloxone only reverses the immediate effects of an opioid overdose. It does not treat addiction, and ongoing care and rehabilitation are needed. - Myth: Naloxone works for every type of overdose.
Fact: Naloxone only reverses opioid overdose. It does not reverse overdose caused by alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other non-opioid substances. - Myth: Once naloxone is given, the patient is safe and does not need hospital care.
Fact: Naloxone wears off faster than many opioids, so the patient must be monitored for several hours and may need repeat doses or other emergency care. - Myth: Naloxone is dangerous and should be avoided.
Fact: Naloxone is a life-saving medicine. Its benefits in reversing opioid-induced breathing failure far outweigh its risks when used appropriately.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Naloxone injection
Brand Alternatives
- Nalox 400mcg injection