Treatment Protocol

Maintain airway. Assist ventilation with oxygen. Do not leave patient unattended.

Naloxone 0.4–2 mg IV, IM, or SC. Repeat every 2–3 minutes until respiratory rate improves (max 10 mg). Child: 10 micrograms/kg IV. Note: naloxone has a short half-life; repeated doses or infusion may be needed as opioid effects outlast the antidote.

Monitor closely for at least 6 hours (longer if long-acting opioid, e.g., methadone). Naloxone infusion: 2/3 of the effective bolus dose per hour.