Naloxone is a medication used to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose[1][3][5]. It works as an opioid antagonist—that is, it attaches to opioid receptors in the brain and blocks or reverses the effects of opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine[1][4][5]. Administering naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing in a person whose respiratory function has slowed or stopped due to opioid intoxication[3][5].
This emergency treatment is effective for opioid overdoses but does not work for overdoses on non-opioid drugs like benzodiazepines, cocaine, or amphetamines[4]. Naloxone has no effect on people without opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder itself[3][5].
Naloxone may be administered in several ways, including as a nasal spray, intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous injection[1][4][6]. It is considered safe for use in all age groups, and if given to someone not experiencing an opioid overdose, it does not cause harm[1][3].
Because the effects of naloxone may wear off before those of certain opioids, repeated dosing might be necessary in some cases, and seeking further emergency medical attention is always advised after use[2][4][6].
References
- [1] 5 Things to Know About Naloxone | Overdose Prevention – CDC
- [2] Naloxone – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- [3] How Can Over-the-Counter Naloxone Prevent Opioid Overdose – Yale Medicine
- [4] Opioid Overdose Reversal Medications – OORM – SAMHSA
- [5] Naloxone DrugFacts | National Institute on Drug Abuse – NIDA
- [6] Naloxone (injection route) – Mayo Clinic