Naloxone

Author: Leandro Alegsa Creation date: November 13, 2022

Naloxone (often called Narcan), is a medication. It is used to reverse the effects of opioid painkillers, especially when a person has overdosed on opioids. Examples of opioids include:

Morphine (often called MSIR or MS Contin)
Oxycodone (often called Percocet (when mixed with acetaminophen), OxyIR, or OxyContin)
Hydrocodone (often called Vicodin when mixed with acetaminophen)
Methadone
Meperidine (Demerol)

These painkillers are central nervous system depressants. This means they slow down certain areas of the brain. If a person takes too many opiates, this can shut down the part of the brain that controls breathing. The person may become unable to breathe and die.

When a person has taken too much of one of these painkillers, naloxone can reverse the painkillers' effects and save the person's life.

Naloxone may be mixed into the same pill as an opioid painkiller to decrease the risk of misuse.

When given intravenously (into a needle placed into a vein), naloxone works within two minutes. When injected into a muscle, it works within five minutes. The medication may also be shot up the nose.

The effects of naloxone last about half an hour to an hour. Since most opioids last longer than naloxone, a person may need several doses of naloxone to fight the effects of an overdose.

Questions and Answers

Q: What is Naloxone?

A: Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid painkillers, especially when a person has overdosed on opioids.

Q: What are some examples of opioids?

A: Examples of opioids include Morphine (often called MSIR or MS Contin), Oxycodone (often called Percocet when mixed with acetaminophen, OxyIR, or OxyContin), Hydrocodone (often called Vicodin when mixed with acetaminophen), Methadone, and Meperidine (Demerol).

Q: How do opioids affect the body?

A: Opioids are central nervous system depressants, meaning they slow down certain areas of the brain. If a person takes too many opiates, this can shut down the part of the brain that controls breathing. The person may become unable to breathe and die.

Q: How does naloxone work to reverse an overdose?

A: When given intravenously (into a needle placed into a vein), naloxone works within two minutes. When injected into a muscle, it works within five minutes. The medication may also be shot up the nose. The effects of naloxone last about half an hour to an hour and multiple doses may be needed if most opioids last longer than naloxone.

Q: Is there any way to decrease the risk of misuse for opioid painkillers?

A: Yes, naloxone may be mixed into the same pill as an opioid painkiller in order to decrease the risk of misuse.

Q: How quickly does naloxone take effect?

A: When given intravenously (into a needle placed into a vein), naloxone works within two minutes and when injected into a muscle it works within five minutes.