Can 2 full doses of Narcan put someone into Cardiac Arrest?

Answer 1

Yes, it can, but it is not common and is usually linked to a pre-existing condition. Please see the reference below.

"As I understand it, Narcan makes you go into immediate withdrawal of opiates. So theoretically, one dose could be enough to kill some people. Like any medicine you have to know what you're doing when you use it."

For starters, opiate wirthdraw does not kill you; however, it may make you feel like you are dying.

Secondly, narcan is not a pill and is not commonly prescribed for outpatient use. It is an injeectable drug that is used in emergent situations to antagonize the effects of narcotics and prevent someone from dying from hypoemia associated with a narcotic overdose.

Thirdly, narcan is to be titrated to the return of spontaneous respirations. "Slamming" narcan is a good way to get assasulted by your "patient" and is considered bad form.

As per the NIH:
Abrupt postoperative reversal of opioid depression may result in nausea, vomiting, sweating, tremulousness, tachycardia, increased blood pressure, seizures, ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, pulmonary edema, and cardiac arrest which may result in death. Excessive doses of NARCAN in postoperative patients may result in significant reversal of analgesia and may cause agitation (see PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION; Usage in Adults-Postoperative Opioid Depression). Several instances of hypotension, hypertension, ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, pulmonary edema, and cardiac arrest have been reported in postoperative patients. Death, coma, and encephalopathy have been reported as sequelae of these events. These have occurred in patients most of whom had pre-existing cardiovascular disorders or received other drugs which may have similar adverse cardiovascular effects. Although a direct cause and effect relationship has not been established, NARCAN should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing cardiac disease or patients who have received medications with potential adverse cardiovascular effects, such as hypotension, ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, and pulmonary edema. It has been suggested that the pathogenesis of pulmonary edema associated with the use of NARCAN is similar to neurogenic pulmonary edema, i.e., a centrally mediated massive catecholamine response leading to a dramatic shift of blood volume into the pulmonary vascular bed resulting in increased hydrostatic pressures.

Answer 2

Not usually. It works on receptors in the brain to block effects of narcotics. Dosage is usually 2mg and most likely won't cause arrest. In some cases multiple doses are need to reverse affects of narcotics. There is a side effect of ventricular arrhythmias, but very highly unlikely and I have never heard it happen. It is most likely a cause of cardiac hx and not the Narcan.

Answer 3

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, stomach upset or drowsiness may occur. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: vomiting, sweating, tremors, breathing trouble, seizures, rapid/pounding/irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

MISSED DOSE: It is important that each dose be taken as needed. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered. Skip the missed dose. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.


PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: heart problems, heart disease, been using any type of pain reliever for more than 2 weeks, allergies (especially drug allergies). This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Answer 4

As I understand it, Narcan makes you go into immediate withdrawal of opiates. So theoretically, one dose could be enough to kill some people. Like any medicine you have to know what you're doing when you use it.