Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

NALORPHINE HYDROBROMIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

A specific opiate antagonist with some agonist properties that reduce or abolish the
depressant actions of morphine and other narcotic substances but not those of the
barbiturates or other non- narcotic depressants. Also possesses analgesic properties.
Normally given by intravenous injection. Only to be used to treat respiratory depression
due to narcotic analgesics. Although mild withdrawal effects have been reported, there is
little potential for abuse.

SYNONYMS

C19-H21-N-O3.HBr, C19-H21-N-O3.HBr, "morphinan-3, 6-alpha-diol, 17-allyl-7, 8-didehydro-
4, 5-alpha-epoxy-, hydrobromide", "morphinan-3, 6-alpha-diol, 17-allyl-7, 8-didehydro-4,
5-alpha-epoxy-, hydrobromide", "N-allylnormorphine hydrobromide", "N-allylnormorphine
hydrobromide", "morphinan-3, 6-diol, 7, 8-dideohydro-4, 5-epoxy-17-(2-propenyl)-,
hydrobromide", "morphinan-3, 6-diol, 7, 8-dideohydro-4, 5-epoxy-17-(2-propenyl)-,
hydrobromide", "(-)-nalorphine bromide", "narcotic antagonist"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

None

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Morphine and other analgesics cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness and confusion. Urination can be difficult, and the bowel and bile ducts can spasm. They also cause dry mouth, pin point pupils, sweating, flushing, vertigo, slow and shallow breathing, weak pulse, blue-gray skin (cyanosis), palpitations, low blood pressure, low temperature, restlessness, and mood changes. Acute toxic effects include lung swelling, spasticity, muscle twitching and unconsciousness. Increased pressure in the head may occur. Larger doses can cause depression of breathing and low blood pressure, with failure of circulation and deepening coma. Failure of breathing can cause death. As the analgesia (loss of sensation) wears off, sensitivity to pain is increased. Higher doses produce stiffening of the muscles and depression of the central nervous system; this can progress to stupor, sedation, unconsciousness and coma. The blood vessels may dilate, causing flushing of the face, neck and upper chest, and lowering of the blood pressure, resulting in fainting. Serious effects due to toxicity to the heart include high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, shock, acute heart failure and stoppage. Hypersensitive reactions can occur, producing rashes, itch, bleeding, and blistering. Digestive effects include constipation, impaction of the bowel with feces and cramps. Urine movements may become less frequent. There may be liver abnormalities, and the liver may be enlarged and tender to touch.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  No human exposure data available. For this reason health effects described are based on experience with chemically related materials.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.