2-4 Abbott plans a release date in late May or early June for all products. 2 Baxter currently has no release date for its back-ordered naloxone products. 3 Endo plans a release date in June 2001. In response to this shortage, FDA has granted Sabex Inc. of Canada the ability to temporarily supply product to the United States. The Sabex product is preserved with methylparaben and propylparaben and is not for intrathecal use.
Naloxone is a pure opioid antagonist used to treat potential or known opioid overdose.
The drug reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension. In combination with respiratory and cardiovascular support, naloxone is the drug of choice for treating any opioid overdose. Naloxone is also effective for relieving opioid-induced adverse effects such as pruritus and constipation. Naloxone has no pharmacologic effects in the absence of opioids. Reserve naloxone to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension during this potential shortage.