Naloxone is a medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to counter opioid overdose.

Naloxone is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent overdose by opioids such as heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. It blocks opioid receptor sites, reversing the toxic effects of the overdose. Naloxone is administered when a patient is showing signs of opioid overdose. The medication can be given by intranasal spray, intramuscular (into the muscle), subcutaneous (under the skin), or intravenous injection.

A doctor can prescribe naloxone to patients who are in medication-assisted treatment (MAT), especially if the patient is taking medications used in MAT or considered a risk for opioid overdose. Candidates for naloxone are those who:

• Take high doses of opioids for long-term management of chronic pain
• Receive rotating opioid medication regimens
• Have been discharged from emergency medical care following opioid poisoning or intoxication
• Take certain extended-release or long-acting opioid medications
• Are completing mandatory opioid detoxification or abstinence programs
  • Pregnant women can be safely given naloxone in limited doses under the supervision of a doctor.
  • A doctor or pharmacist can show patients, their family members, or caregivers how to administer naloxone. Intravenous injection every two to three minutes is recommended in emergencies.
  • Patients given an automatic injection device or nasal spray should keep the item available at all times. Medication should be replaced when the expiration date passes.
  • Naloxone is effective if opioids are misused in combination with other sedatives or stimulants. It is not effective in treating overdoses of benzodiazepines or stimulant overdoses involving cocaine and amphetamines.

Opioid overdose can happen:

• When a patient misunderstands the directions for use, accidentally takes an extra dose, or deliberately misuses a prescription opioid or an illicit drug like heroin
• If a person takes opioid medications prescribed for someone else
• If a person mixes opioids with other medications, alcohol, or over-the-counter drugs

Opioid overdose is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency attention. Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose is essential to saving lives. Learn more about opioid overdose.

• Law Enforcement Naloxone Toolkit at the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s National Training and Technical Assistance Center(link is external)
• Naloxone Injection at MedlinePlus
• Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit – 2014
• State Naloxone and Good Samaritan Legislation at WhiteHouse.gov – 2014 (PDF | 615 KB)
• Guide to Developing and Managing Overdose Prevention and Take-Home Naloxone Programs