Final answer:
Reverse a narcotic overdose suspected in an unresponsive patient on a morphine PCA, Naloxone (Narcan) should be administered. Naloxone rapidly counteracts the respiratory depression caused by opioids but has a short duration of action and requires a parenteral route.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient is unresponsive and you suspect a narcotic overdose, the medication to administer is Naloxone (Narcan). Opioids such as Morphine, Heroin, Fentanyl, Oxycodone, Vicodin, and methadone are commonly associated with overdose risk due to their potential to depress the central nervous system and slow or stop breathing. Naloxone is an opiate antagonist that negates the effects of opioids and is used to reverse respiratory depression caused by an opioid overdose. It must be administered parenterally and acts quickly, but its effects are short-lived, so repeated dosing or continuous infusion may be necessary, and emergency medical treatment should follow.
It is important to note that while naloxone reverses the effects of opioids, it has limited utility against overdoses involving other central nervous system depressants like benzodiazepines. Patients on prescription opioids should generally avoid taking benzodiazepines whenever possible to minimize the risk of overdose.