Naloxone is a medication that reverses the side effects of an opioid overdose.
This guide highlights how naloxone works and illustrates how the prompt administration of this opioid overdose antidote could be life-saving.
Naloxone is a medication that reverses the side effects of an opioid overdose.
This guide highlights how naloxone works and illustrates how the prompt administration of this opioid overdose antidote could be life-saving.
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Naloxone is an emergency medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Opioids are a class of medication that includes heroin, fentanyl, morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone.
Classified as an opioid antagonist, naloxone binds to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking and reversing the effects of any other opioids in the system. When administered rapidly, naloxone can restore normal breathing when breathing has slowed or stopped due to opioid overdose.
Taking naloxone will have no effect if you do not have opioids in your system. The medication is not a treatment for opioid use disorder either – buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are FDA-approved for this purpose.
There are two forms of naloxone approved by the FDA: an injectable and a prepackaged nasal spray.
The branded form of naloxone spray called Narcan is the most dispensed brand of naloxone. The nasal spray is also available at Kloxxado and as generic naloxone.
Many different companies market injectable forms of naloxone. You can find these listed in the FDA’s Orange Book if you search for “naloxone injectable”. Naloxone is typically injected into the muscle, although a single-dose syringe (ZimhiTM) that’s prefilled and injectable under the skin is now approved by the FDA to help streamline administration.
Regardless of the dosage or form of naloxone that you use, make sure you receive training on how and when you should use the medication. Familiarize yourself with the product instructions and ensure that you check the expiration date.
Naloxone is also used as one ingredient of combination products that contain buprenorphine and naloxone – Suboxone, for instance. This medication is used for the treatment of opioid use disorder, relieving cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Naloxone is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The medication targets the same opioid receptors in the brain that other opioids bind to, blocking their effects and reversing the respiratory depression associated with opioids, a condition that can be life-saving in the event of opioid overdose.
Naloxone can restore normal breathing within minutes in someone whose breathing has slowed due to opioid overdose. The medication can also be effective if breathing has stopped.
When administered to counter the effects of potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl, more than one dose may be required.
Naloxone nasal spray and naloxone injectables are considered safe and effective medications that trigger few side effects if used appropriately.
Naloxone counters the effects of other opioids by competing with those substances for a space on the brain’s naturally occurring opioid receptors.
By controlling and blocking those opioid receptors, naloxone can reverse the effects of respiratory depression triggered by opioids like heroin, oxycodone, or fentanyl. The effects of naloxone are only delivered if opioids are present in the system.
What are the common administration routes for naloxone, then?
Naloxone can be administered via several routes including:
The method of administration will depend on the formulation of naloxone you have and the situation in which it is being used.
Here are some general instructions for administering naloxone:
After administering naloxone, monitor the person’s pulse and breathing, and deliver additional doses if necessary until emergency medical help arrives.
Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose for roughly 30 to 90 minutes. The elimination half-life of many opioids means that they remain in the system for much longer than that. This means that the effects of opioid overdose may still present after a dose of naloxone wears off. Stronger opioids like fentanyl may require more than one dose of naloxone.
While side effects from naloxone are rare, some people may experience an allergic reaction to the medication. Overall, naloxone is considered a safe, effective, and essential medicine.
Those who are administered naloxone should be continuously observed until emergency medical care arrives. They should also be monitored for two hours after the last dose of naloxone to ensure that breathing does not slow or stop completely.
If you take naloxone and you are physically dependent on opioids, this may trigger the presentation of withdrawal symptoms that include:
Most pharmacies carry naloxone in all 50 U.S. states. In some states, it is now possible to obtain naloxone from a pharmacist without a prescription from your physician.
You may also get naloxone from local public health groups, community distribution programs, and local health departments. Naloxone is available free of charge.
The following individuals may obtain naloxone:
If you have developed an addiction to any type of opioids, from prescription painkillers to heroin and fentanyl, we can help you address this issue at California Detox in Laguna Beach.
Engage with our supervised medical detox program to streamline opioid withdrawal and mitigate the likelihood of relapse or complications derailing your recovery before it gets traction. Following a week or so of opioid detox, you can transition into one of the following treatment programs:
Whatever level of treatment intensity best suits your circumstances and opioid addiction, access individualized treatment that combines science-backed and holistic therapies such as:
When you are ready to unchain yourself from opioid addiction, kickstart your recovery at California Detox by calling 949.694.8305 today.