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A 39-year-old man presents to the hospital after a heroin overdose. Naloxone was administered by first responders. Which of the following adverse effects is MOST likely to be observed in this patient due to the naloxone administration?
A. Pulmonary edema ✔
B. Constipation X
C. Prolonged QT interval X
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Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can be administered intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intranasally. Due to the ongoing opioid crisis and associated deaths, naloxone is now available over the counter. Its use in treating acute opioid intoxication is increasing both in the hospital and in the field, making it imperative for health care providers to understand its potential adverse effects.
Naloxone can be associated with a dose-dependent noncardiogenic pulmonary edema that is likely secondary to a catecholamine surge. Naloxone can also cause a variety of cardiovascular effects, including hypotension, hypertension, arrhythmias, and presyncope. However, a prolonged QT interval has not been associated with naloxone administration.
Opioids are often associated with constipation. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, is more commonly associated with diarrhea, not constipation.
Because the half-life of most opioids is longer than that of naloxone, symptoms of opioid intoxication may return.
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Date of last update: September 18, 2024
