Naloxone and Alcohol Intoxication in the Dog

1 The effects of naloxone upon ethanol-induced coma have been investigated in dogs. In a double blind study, 15 mongrel dogs received ethanol i.v. (4 g/kg) followed by a single dose of naloxone (12 micrograms/kg). 2 Naloxone failed to affect either the duration of respiratory arrest or the time to recovery of motor coordination. In similar animals treated with the narcotic analgesic, fentanyl, naloxone induced a dramatic and complete reversal of the narcotic effects within 30 seconds. 3 It is concluded that, if naloxone has any effect in alcoholic coma, it is not comparable with its dramatic action in narcotic coma.