What is the pediatric Narcan dosage?

• A. 0.01 mg/kg IV
• B. 0.1 mg/kg IV
• C. 1 mg/kg IV
• D. 0.5 mg/kg IV

Answer: (B)

Dosing in pediatric overdose hinges on matching the drug amount to the child’s body weight so you reverse respiratory depression without provoking instability. Naloxone works by displacing opioids from mu receptors, so giving a weight-based amount helps achieve enough reversal without overdoing it.

The appropriate IV dose for a child is 0.1 mg per kilogram of body weight. This amount is typically sufficient to restore adequate respiration while minimizing the risk of abrupt withdrawal or excessive sympathetic stimulation. If there isn’t enough improvement after a short interval, you can repeat 0.1 mg/kg doses every few minutes and titrate up to effect, watching closely for improvement in ventilations and oxygenation.

Smaller amounts like 0.01 mg/kg are usually not enough to reverse noticeable symptoms, while substantially larger doses (such as 0.5 or 1 mg/kg) are excessive risks. Also remember that naloxone’s effects may wear off before the opioids do, so continued monitoring and supportive care are essential.