naloxone

noun

nal·​ox·​one na-ˈläk-ˌsōn 

: a synthetic potent antagonist of narcotic drugs (such as morphine and fentanyl) that is administered especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₉H₂₁NO₄·HCl

Note: Naloxone is administered by injection or as a nasal spray to reverse the effects of opioids especially in the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. It is also administered in combination with buprenorphine in the form of a dissolvable tablet placed under the tongue or a film placed inside the cheek to treat opioid dependence.

Examples of naloxone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, forensic officials recommend using naloxone if someone is suspected to have overdosed because medetomidine is almost always used in combination with opioids. —Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 24 May 2024

Even if someone else is there, there needs to be an antagonist like naloxone at hand or immediately call 911, which must arrive quickly. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 21 May 2024

Community groups and health officials grappling with the devastating toll of fentanyl have pushed to equip more people with naloxone, a drug that can stop opioid overdoses and is commonly sold as a nasal spray under the brand name Narcan. —Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 15 May 2024

But anti-drug activists have long pushed for the medicine, and other versions of naloxone, to be more readily available in public places in the event of an overdose emergency. —Justin Klawans, theweek, 19 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

N-allyl + hydroxy- + -one

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

naloxone

noun

nal·​ox·​one nal-ˈäk-ˌsōn  ˈnal-ək-ˌsōn 

: a potent synthetic antagonist of narcotic drugs (as morphine and fentanyl) that is administered especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₉H₂₁NO₄·HCl

Note: Naloxone is administered by injection or as a nasal spray to reverse the effects of opioids and especially in the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. It is also administered in combination with buprenorphine in the form of a dissolvable tablet placed under the tongue or a film placed inside the cheek to treat opioid dependence. Trademarks for preparations containing naloxone include Bunavail, Evzio, Narcan, Suboxone, and Zubsolv.