NARCAN (naloxone hydrochloride injection, USP), an opioid antagonist, is a synthetic congener of oxymorphone. In structure it differs from oxymorphone in that the methyl group on the nitrogen atom is replaced by an allyl group.

Naloxone hydrochloride occurs as a white to slightly off-white powder, and is soluble in water, in dilute acids, and in strong alkali; slightly soluble in alcohol; practically insoluble in ether and in chloroform.

NARCAN (naloxone) injection is available as a sterile solution for intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous administration in three concentrations: 0.02 mg, 0.4 mg and 1 mg of naloxone hydrochloride per mL. pH is adjusted to 3.5 ± 0.5 with hydrochloric acid.

The 0.02 mg/mL strength is an unpreserved, paraben-free formulation containing 9 mg/mL sodium chloride.

The 0.4 mg/mL vial contains 8.6 mg/mL of sodium chloride and 2 mg/mL of methylparaben and propylparaben as preservatives in a ratio of 9:1. The 0.4 mg/mL ampul is also available in an unpreserved, paraben-free formulation containing 9 mg/mL of sodium chloride.

The 1 mg/mL vial contains 8.35 mg/mL of sodium chloride and 2 mg/mL of methylparaben and propylparaben as preservatives in a ratio of 9:1. The 1 mg/mL ampul is also available in an unpreserved, paraben-free formulation containing 9 mg/mL of sodium chloride.

Last reviewed on RxList: 3/20/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.