Ocular absorption of naloxone in narcotic addicts

Naloxone hydrochloride was administered by regional intravenous injection (three patients) or by instillation into the conjunctival sac (10 patients) in addicts receiving methadone maintenance. After the regional intravenous administration of 100 mug naloxone,no withdrawal symptoms occurred on release of the occluding tourniquets, nor were theresignificant changes in electrical skin resistance or sweating in the upper extremities. On the other hand, the conjunctival instillation of 2 to 3 mg naloxone produced withdrawal symptoms in five patients and frequently also caused pupillary dilatation whichwas usually equal on both sides.