Reversal of high-dose fentanyl anesthesia by naloxone

The EEG, respiratory and hemodynamic responses to postoperative reversal by naloxone of high-dose fentanyl anesthesia were studied in 20 patients (17 cardiac and 3 non-cardiac surgeries). In power spectrum analysis of EEG, power of delta band markedly decreased after naloxone drip infusion. Respiratory and hemodynamic responses were minimum, but increase in HR by 6.4 +/- 9.2 bpm, increase in diastolic BP by 5.3 +/- 9.6 mmHg, and decrease in CVP by 1.9 +/- 2.9 mmHg were statistically significant. Emergence of pain was also minimum and severe side effect was not observed. Reversal of high-dose fentanyl anesthesia by naloxone can reduce the incidence of postoperative respiratory depression and enables early extubation.