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Intranasal naloxone for the treatment of suspected heroin overdose
journal contribution
posted on 2008-03-01, 00:00 authored by Debra KerrDebra Kerr, P Dietze, A-M KellyAIMS: This paper reviews available literature regarding the effectiveness, safety and utility of intranasal (i.n.) naloxone for the treatment of heroin overdose. METHODS: Scientific literature in the form of published articles during the period January 1984 to August 2007 were identified by searching several databases including Medline, Cinahl and Embase for the following terms: naloxone, narcan, intranasal, nose. The data extracted included study design, patient selection, numbers, outcomes and adverse events. RESULTS: Reports of the pharmacological investigation and administration of i.n. naloxone for heroin overdose are included in this review. Treatment of heroin overdose by administration of i.n. naloxone has been introduced as first-line treatment in some jurisdictions in North America, and is currently under investigation in Australia. CONCLUSION: Currently there is not enough evidence to support i.n. naloxone as first-line intervention by paramedics for treatment of heroin overdose in the pre-hospital setting. Further research is required to confirm its clinical effectiveness, safety and utility. If proved effective, the i.n. route may be useful for drug administration in community settings (including peer-based administration), as it reduces risk of needlestick injury in a population at higher risk of blood-borne viruses. Problematically, naloxone is not manufactured currently in an ideal form for i.n. administration.
History
Journal
AddictionVolume
103Issue
3Pagination
379 - 386Publisher
Wiley-BlackwellLocation
Chichester, Eng.Publisher DOI
ISSN
0965-2140eISSN
1360-0443Language
engPublication classification
C Journal article; C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2008, The AuthorsUsage metrics
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