What is the maximum total dose of Naloxone (Narcan) for opioid overdose?

• A. 8 mg
• B. 4 mg
• C. 2 mg
• D. 12 mg

Answer: (A)

Naloxone reverses opioid overdose by competing for the same opioid receptors, restoring breathing by rapidly counteracting the depressant effects. Because responses can vary and some overdoses involve longer-acting opioids, clinicians dose in small, repeatable amounts and watch for improvement rather than delivering a large single dose. A practical ceiling on the total amount is used in standard guidelines to balance effective reversal with safety, aiming to achieve enough reversal without provoking withdrawal, agitation, or cardiovascular stress. The correct choice reflects this approach—a higher-but-controlled total dose that serves as an approved upper limit in typical emergency practice. If reversal isn’t adequate within that ceiling, clinicians reassess, consider other causes, or employ additional dosing strategies rather than simply pushing more of a single dose.