Dr. Nicholas Atanasoff : What is Naloxone?

Naloxone is a medication designed to reverse opioid overdose, explains Nicholas Anthony Atanasoff, D.O. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist (i.e., a medication that binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids). In addition, Naloxone can very quickly restore normal respiration to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to overdosing with heroin or prescription opioid pain medications. There are three FDA-approved formulations of naloxone, explains Nicholas Anthony Atanasoff, D.O.:

Injectable

Generic brands of injectable naloxone vials are offered by a variety of companies that are listed in the FDA's Orange Book under "naloxone".

Auto-Injectable

Prefilled auto-injection devices make it easy for families or emergency personnel to inject naloxone quickly into the outer thigh. Once activated, the auto-injection device provides verbal instruction to the user describing how to deliver the medication, which is similar to automated defibrillators.

Pre-Packaged Nasal Spray

Prefilled, needle-free devices that require no assembly and are sprayed into one nostril while patients lay on their back are also available.

The liquid for injection is what is commonly used by paramedics, emergency room doctors, and other trained first responders. To facilitate ease of use, a naloxone nasal spray is now available, that allows for the drug naloxone to be sprayed as a mist into the nose. Depending on your state, friends, family members, and others in the community may give the auto-injector and nasal spray formulation of naloxone to someone who has overdosed. Additionally, some states require a physician to prescribe naloxone. However, in other states, pharmacies may distribute naloxone in an outpatient setting without bringing in a prescription from a physician.