Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, as well as illicit drugs like heroin and fentanyl.
Naloxone works by binding to the same receptors in the brain and body that opioids bind to, effectively blocking the effects of opioids and reversing their effects on breathing and consciousness (1).
Naloxone is available as an injectable or a nasal spray. It can be given by trained individuals, such as first responders, family members, and friends or family of people who use opioids, to quickly reverse an overdose and prevent fatalities.
Naloxone is a life-saving medication, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment for opioid addiction or overdose. Anyone who has overdosed on opioids should seek medical attention immediately, even if naloxone has been administered.
Naloxone can be given in via an injection or a nasal spray. The method of administration may depend on the situation, the person administering the medication, and the available resources (2).
Injectable naloxone is typically given as an intramuscular injection, which means it is injected into a muscle. Injectable naloxone can also be given intravenously, which means it is injected directly into a vein. This is typically done by healthcare professionals.
Nasal spray naloxone is a pre-filled device that is inserted into the nostril and sprayed. It is often used by first responders or family members to quickly administer naloxone in the event of an overdose.
The device is easy to use and does not require any special training.
It is important to note that naloxone should be given as soon as possible after an overdose is suspected, and emergency medical services should always be called in the event of an overdose.
The delivery system for naloxone may depend on the situation, the person administering the medication, and the available resources. All forms of naloxone are effective in reversing an opioid overdose and can be lifesaving.
However, some factors to consider when choosing a delivery system for naloxone may include ease of use, speed of administration, and availability.
Nasal spray devices are often preferred for use by non-medical personnel, such as family members and friends of those at risk of overdose because they are easy to use and do not require special training.
Injectable naloxone, on the other hand, may be preferred in a medical setting where healthcare professionals are available to administer the medication.
Ultimately, the best delivery system for naloxone is the one that is readily available and can be administered as soon as possible.
The signs of an opioid overdose can vary depending on the individual and the type of opioid used.
However, some common signs of an opioid overdose include:
If someone is exhibiting these symptoms and has a history of opioid use, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Naloxone can be administered by trained individuals to quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Emergency medical services should always be called in the event of an overdose.
Yes, naloxone is considered safe and effective when used as directed to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
It has been used for decades by medical professionals, and more recently, it has been made available to non-medical personnel, such as family members and friends of those at risk of overdose.
While naloxone is generally safe, it is not completely without risk. In rare cases, naloxone can cause withdrawal symptoms in people who are physically dependent on opioids, which can include nausea, vomiting, sweating, and agitation.
However, these symptoms are typically short-lived and not life-threatening (4).
It is important to note that naloxone is not a substitute for medical treatment for opioid addiction or overdose. Anyone who has overdosed on opioids should seek medical attention immediately, even if naloxone has been administered.
Additionally, naloxone should only be administered by trained individuals who have been instructed on its proper use and are familiar with the signs of an opioid overdose.
After naloxone is given, the effects of the opioid overdose are quickly reversed. Naloxone works by binding to the same receptors in the brain and body that opioids bind to, effectively blocking the effects of opioids and reversing their effects on breathing and consciousness.
Depending on the amount of opioid that was taken and the individual’s overall health, the effects of naloxone may be immediate or may take several minutes to take effect.
Some individuals may require multiple doses of naloxone to fully reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
After naloxone is given, the person should be closely monitored for any signs of relapse or recurrent overdose.
Emergency medical services should always be called in the event of an overdose, even if naloxone has been administered.
In the UK, naloxone can be supplied by drug services to individuals who are at risk of opioid overdose or to their family members or friends.
The guidelines for naloxone distribution in the UK are set out by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
According to the NICE guidelines, naloxone should be made available to the following groups:
Drug services in the UK can provide naloxone through a variety of means, including prescription and outreach programs and harm reduction initiatives.
The availability and distribution of naloxone may vary depending on the region and local regulations (5).
If you believe that someone is experiencing an opioid overdose and is in immediate danger, it is legal and ethical to administer naloxone to save their life, even without their permission.
Good Samaritan laws have been introduced to provide legal protection to people who act in good faith to help someone in an emergency, including administering naloxone to someone who has overdosed on opioids.
These laws generally protect people from prosecution or liability for drug-related offences if they seek medical assistance for someone who has overdosed.
Not only that, but in the case of an opioid overdose, time is of the essence, and waiting to obtain someone’s permission to administer naloxone could result in death.
Administering naloxone as quickly as possible is critical to reversing the effects of an opioid overdose and increasing the person’s chances of survival.
If you are worried about your opioid use, or believe that someone you know may be abusing opioids and you would like more information on Naloxone, how to administer it, and where to get it, our team of addiction experts are ready to chat with you.
We are available 24/7 and are waiting for your call.
Get in touch today on 0800 140 4690.
[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse – Naloxone Drug Facts – https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxone
[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse – What are the different naloxone delivery systems? – https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxone
[3] National Library of Medicine – Opioid Overdose – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470415/
[4] National Institute on Drug Abuse – Naloxone for Opioid Overdose: Life-Saving Science – https://nida.nih.gov/publications/naloxone-opioid-overdose-life-saving-science
[5] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence – Naloxone Hydrochloride – https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/naloxone-hydrochloride/
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
