Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioids.
In hospital settings, naloxone is commonly injected intravenously, with an onset of 1 to 2 minutes and a duration of up to 45 minutes.
While the onset is achieved fastest through IV than through other routes of administration, it may be difficult to obtain venous access in patients who use IV drugs chronically. This may be an issue under emergency conditions.
Naloxone is commonly used to counter decreased breathing in opioid overdose. Naloxone commonly blocks the effects of opioids from 30 to 90 minutes. Multiple doses may be required, as the duration of action of some opioids is greater than that of naloxone.
It is a non selective and competitive opioid receptor antagonist and works by reversing the depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system caused by opioids.
Naloxone generally has no effect on those not using opioids, has no abuse potential, and is recommended by the World Health Organization for distribution to anyone likely to encounter a fatal opioid overdose, including emergency personnel and friends and family members of those using opioids.
