NALOXONE WHAT IS N
aloxone is an opioid antagonist that can safely and effectively reverse an opioid-related overdose by quickly restoring breathing and consciousness. Naloxone binds to opioid receptors in the brain, displacing the opioids and temporarily reversing their life-threatening effects. Because naloxone does not affect someone without opioids in their system, it can only reverse overdoses involving opioids like prescription pain medication and heroin. Naloxone is administered intravenously and can be administered one of two ways. One, it can be injected intramuscularly or two, sprayed intranasally. Regardless of how it’s administered, both methods can be easily done by trained laypersons. Naloxone is often dispensed in a rescue kit that includes the delivery device (needle or nasal atomizer and syringe) and items such as alcohol swabs, non-latex gloves, a plastic face shield for rescue breathing and information cards on things such as opioid overdose response and naloxone administration, overdose prevention tips and substance use disorder treatment.
Naloxone has few side effects, is not a controlled substance, and is available only by prescription.
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