Naloxone
Rural Response Network
What is Naloxone?
For a list on where to get Naloxone Click Here.
Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. But, naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder. Examples of opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, and morphine.
How is Naloxone Given?
Naloxone should be given to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose or when an overdose is suspected. Naloxone can be given as a nasal spray or it can be injected into the muscle, under the skin, or into the veins.
How Does Naloxone Work and How Do You Use It?
Naloxone quickly reverses an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. It can restore normal breathing within 2 to 3 minutes in a person whose breath has slowed, or even stopped, as a result of opioid overdose. More than one dose of naloxone may be required when stronger opioids like fentanyl are involved.
Naloxone won’t harm someone if they’re overdosing on drugs other than opioids, so it’s always best to use it if you think someone is overdosing.
If you give someone naloxone, always call 911 and stay with them until emergency help arrives or for at least four hours to make sure their breathing returns to normal (10 or more breaths per minute).
One Call Could Save a Life!
What is the Good Samaritan Law?
The Good Samaritan Law grants immunity for a minor drug possession or drug paraphernalia offense for the person who overdosed AND the person who called 911 to seek help. Even if you already gave someone naloxone (such as Narcan), it can wear off and the person can start overdosing again. So, it’s important to call 911.
One Call Could Save A Life | Ohio Department of Health
Who Should Carry Naloxone?
Everyone should carry Naloxone! In nearly 40% of overdose deaths, someone else was present. Having naloxone available allows bystanders to help a fatal overdose and save lives.
People who are taking high-dose opioid medications prescribed by a doctor,
people who use opioids with benzodiazepines or alcohol (since both depress
the respiratory system), people with certain underlying medical conditions like
COPD, asthma, and HIV/AIDS, and people who use illicit opioids like heroin are
at greater risk of overdose.
However, fentanyl, an illicit opioid 50-100x stronger than heroin or morphine
and present in the majority of accidental overdoses, can be present in any
illicit drug with or without the knowledge of the person taking the substance.
Because you can’t use naloxone on yourself, let others know you have it in
case you experience an opioid overdose.
Sources:
CDC – Lifesaving Naloxone
National Institute on Drug Abuse – Naloxone Drug Facts
Are You Looking For Help or Information?
To learn more or get involved