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Naloxone Hydrochloride: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side Effects

Chemical Structure:

  • C19H21NO4 · HCl

Mechanism of Action:

  • Opioid Antagonism: Naloxone is a potent antagonist at mu, kappa, and delta opioid receptors.

  • High Affinity for Mu Receptors: It has a particularly high affinity for mu-opioid receptors, rapidly displacing opioids at these sites, which reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression and CNS depression.

Uses:

  • Opioid Overdose: Primary use is in the emergency treatment of opioid overdose, especially life-threatening respiratory depression.

  • Opioid-Induced Pruritus: Sometimes used to treat itching caused by opioids.

  • Postoperative Opioid Effects: Can reverse excessive effects of opioids used in surgery.

Side Effects:

  • Precipitation of Opioid Withdrawal: Can cause severe withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent individuals.

  • Cardiovascular Effects: Rarely, may cause hypertension, tachycardia, or arrhythmias.

  • CNS Effects: Agitation, tremors, and seizures have been reported in rare cases.


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