Naloxone is a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist — meaning that it binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids. It can very quickly restore normal respiration to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped as a result of overdosing with heroin or prescription opioid pain medications.
What are the Different Types of Naloxone?
There are three FDA-approved formulations of naloxone:
Prepackaged Nasal Spray (NARCAN®)
This is a prefilled, needle-free device that requires no assembly and is sprayed into one nostril while patients lay on their back. NARCAN® comes in a carton containing two doses to allow for repeat dosing if needed. NARCAN® is relatively easy to use and suitable for home use in emergency situations.
Naloxone can also come as an injectable liquid solution that can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously. The intravenous route is recommended in situations involving healthcare professionals. For caregivers or bystanders the intramuscular (into the muscle) route is suggested.
Note: Both NARCAN® Nasal Spray and EVZIO® are packaged in a carton containing two doses to allow for repeat dosing if needed. They are relatively easy to use and suitable for home use in emergency situations.
Source: Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services; National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; United States Food and Drug Administration
Naloxone is a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist — meaning that it binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids. It can very quickly restore normal respiration to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped as a result of overdosing with heroin or prescription opioid pain medications.