Trick of the Trade: Naloxone Dilution for IV Use - Given that many ED overdose patients are not opioid-naive, lower naloxone doses are generally sufficient. Here is a quick way to prepare and administer naloxone in doses that will reverse opioid toxicity while limiting the chances of severe withdrawal. 1. Obtain a 1 mL vial or syringe of naloxone 0.4 mg/mL. 2. Grab a 10-mL syringe. Draw up 9 mL of normal saline. 3. Draw up the 1 mL of naloxone. You now have 10 mL of a 0.04 mg/mL naloxone solution.4. Clearly label the syringe with drug name and concentration. 5. Administer 1-2 mL IV every 60 seconds until the patient is responsive (and breathing) to the desired level. #Management #EM #IM #PCC #Naloxone #Dilution #Instructions
