Overview
Nalmefene Hydrochloride Injection Rx only DESCRIPTION Nalmefene Hydrochloride Injection, an opioid antagonist, is a 6-methylene analogue of naltrexone. The chemical structure is shown below: Molecular Formula: C 21 H 25 NO 3 •HCl•H 2 O Molecular Weight: 393.91, CAS # 1228646-72-7 Chemical Name: 17-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-4,5α-epoxy-6-methylenemorphinan-3,14-diol, hydrochloride salt, monohydrate...
Mechanism of Action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Pharmacodynamics Nalmefene hydrochloride injection prevents or reverses the effects of opioids, including respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension. Pharmacodynamic studies have shown that nalmefene hydrochloride injection has a longer duration of action than naloxone at fully reversing doses. Nalmefene hydrochloride injection has no opioid agonist activity. Nalmefene hydrochloride injection is not known to produce respiratory depression, psychotomimetic effects, or pupillary constriction. No pharmacological activity was observed when nalmefene hydrochloride injection was administered in the absence of opioid agonists. Nalmefene hydrochloride injection has not been shown to produce tolerance, physical dependence, or abuse potential.
Indications
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE Nalmefene Hydrochloride Injection is indicated for the complete or partial reversal of opioid drug effects, including respiratory depression, induced by either natural or synthetic opioids. Nalmefene Hydrochloride Injection is indicated in the management of known or suspected opioid overdose.
Common Doses
- 1 mg
- 1.0 mg
- 0.5 mg
- 1.5 mg
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Important Information - Dosage Forms Nalmefene Hydrochloride Injection is supplied in two concentrations that can be identified by their color coded container labels: a concentration suitable for postoperative use (100 µg/mL) in a blue labeled vial containing ONE (1) mL and a concentration suitable for the management of overdose (1 mg/mL, 10 times as concentrated, 20 times as much drug) in a green labeled vial containing TWO (2) mL. Proper steps should be taken to prevent use of the incorrect concentration.
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS Nalmefene Hydrochloride Injection is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the product.
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse event information was obtained following administration of nalmefene hydrochloride injection to 152 normal volunteers and in controlled clinical trials to 1127 patients for the treatment of opioid overdose or for postoperative opioid reversal. Nalmefene was well tolerated and showed no serious toxicity during experimental administration to healthy individuals, even when given at 15 times the highest recommended dose.
Interactions
- No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.