Naloxone Pediatric Dose Calculator

Clinical context

Naloxone reverses opioid-induced respiratory and CNS depression. Airway opening and effective ventilation remain the immediate priorities in severe opioid toxicity. Titrate naloxone to adequate spontaneous ventilation rather than necessarily to full alertness, especially when opioid dependence is likely. This calculator provides an initial weight-based dose capped at 2 mg. Reassess ventilation immediately after administration and continue treatment according to the overdose protocol. Severe or recurrent toxicity may require repeated doses or continuous infusion because many opioids outlast naloxone. Lack of response should prompt reassessment of the diagnosis and ventilation. Abrupt reversal can precipitate acute withdrawal, pain, agitation, hypertension, pulmonary edema, or dysrhythmia. Observe until the risk of recurrent respiratory depression is low and consciousness and vital signs are stable. Set the observation period according to the opioid involved, its formulation, the naloxone response, and the clinical course.