What is naloxone?
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.
How is naloxone given?
There are three FDA-approved formulations of naloxone:
Injectable (professional training required)
Generic brands of injectable naloxone vials are offered by a variety of companies that are listed in the FDA Orange Book under “naloxone” (look for “injectable”).
Note: There has been widespread use of improvised emergency kits that combine an injectable formulation of naloxone with an atomizer that can deliver naloxone intranasally. Use of this product requires the user to be trained on proper assembly and administration. These improvised intranasal devices may not deliver naloxone levels equivalent to FDA-approved products. In fact, the manufacturer of an internasal atomizer device issued a voluntary recall on 10/27/16 noting that some of the devices “may not deliver a fully atomized plume of medication, making the drug potentially less effective.” An approved, prefilled nasal spray is now available (see below).
Who can give naloxone to someone who has overdosed?
The liquid for injection is commonly used by paramedics, emergency room doctors, and other specially trained first responders. While improvised atomizers have been used in the past to convert syringes for use as nasal spray, these may not deliver the appropriate dose. Depending on the state you live in, friends, family members, and others in the community may give the auto-injector and nasal spray formulation of naloxone to someone who has overdosed. Some states require a physician to prescribe naloxone; in other states, pharmacies may distribute naloxone in an outpatient setting without bringing in a prescription from a physician. To learn about the laws regarding naloxone in your state, see the Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System website.
What dose can be provided?
The dose varies depending on the formulation, and sometimes more than one dose is needed to help the person start breathing again. Anyone who may have to use naloxone should carefully read the package insert that comes with the product.
What precautions are needed when giving naloxone?
People who are given naloxone should be observed constantly until emergency care arrives and for at least 2 hours by medical personnel after the last dose of naloxone to make sure breathing does not slow or stop.
What are the side effects of naloxone?
Naloxone is an extremely safe medication that only has a noticeable effect in people with opioids in their systems. Naloxone can (but does not always) cause withdrawal symptoms which may be uncomfortable, but are not life-threatening; on the other hand, opioid overdose is extremely life-threatening. Withdrawal symptoms may include headache, changes in blood pressure, rapid heart rate, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and tremors.
Where can I get naloxone?
Naloxone is a prescription drug. You can buy naloxone in many pharmacies, in some cases without bringing in a prescription from a physician. Law enforcement, EMS, and community-based naloxone distribution programs can apply to be a Qualified Purchaser to order naloxone or work with their state or local health departments. Here are some resources to help you find naloxone in your area:
- Naloxone finder – This website also offers access to training for first responders and potential bystanders.
Some states have their own website:
- Illinois
- Pennsylvania
- Washington
Some pharmacies offer naloxone in an outpatient setting (without bringing in a prescription from a physician). Check with your local pharmacy.
Source:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/opioid-overdose-reversal-naloxo…
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