Naloxone, or Narcan, can restore normal breathing in someone whose respiration has slowed or stopped due to an opioid overdose. However, Narcan is short acting, says UF’s Jay McLaughlin. “If an individual takes a massive dose of fentanyl, then they will go back into respiratory distress when the Narcan wears off.”
The team has identified compound 368, which, when paired with Narcan, increased the latter’s efficacy. Also, compound 368 can be used with lower doses of Narcan to reverse respiratory depression without inducing withdrawal symptoms. “Determining the optimal Narcan dosage has been a persistent challenge,” McLaughlin said. “Combining a smaller amount of Narcan with our compound may circumvent the danger of patients undergoing opioid withdrawal.”
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