Why is naloxone used for cerebral infarction?
Cerebral infarction, also known as cerebral infarct, is generally treated with naloxone to improve neurological deficits and restore patient consciousness. Specific details are as follows:
Cerebral infarction is an acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease, typically caused by necrosis of local brain tissue due to disrupted blood supply. If the area of infarction is large, the patient may fall into a coma. Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist and belongs to the class of detoxifying and consciousness-promoting drugs, commonly used in clinical practice for the rescue of certain drug poisonings. In patients with cerebral infarction, naloxone can promote awakening, thereby shortening the duration of impaired consciousness. It can be administered sublingually or via intravenous infusion.
Naloxone has a short duration of action; once its effect wears off, the patient may experience recurrence of drowsiness, respiratory depression, and other adverse reactions. Therefore, it is important to maintain therapeutic efficacy and promptly re-administer the drug when necessary. Patients with heart failure or hypertension should use this medication cautiously to avoid adverse effects. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is required to prevent delay in treatment.