Naloxone: Reversing Opioid Overdose

Understanding Naloxone

Naloxone belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid receptor antagonists. These medications actively compete with opioids for the receptors they target in the body.

Action and Effectiveness

Role as an Antagonist:

• Naloxone binds to opioid receptors, blocking the effects of opioids and rapidly reversing their impact.
• It is specifically effective in treating opioid overdoses but does not work for other types of drug overdoses, such as methamphetamine, cocaine, or Diazepam.
• Safety: If mistakenly administered to someone not experiencing an opioid overdose, naloxone has no harmful effects.

Forms and Availability

Options for First Aid:

• Naloxone is available in three forms for first aid use: pre-dosed injection, ampoule injection, and nasal spray.
• These forms ensure flexibility in administering the drug quickly and effectively.

Naloxone Availability in the UK

Accessibility and Usage:

• Naloxone is distributed across the UK, primarily in pre-dosed syringes or nasal spray, targeting individuals at risk of opioid overdose.
• Training Importance: Training for individuals close to those at risk is crucial, enabling them to administer naloxone promptly when needed.
• After administering naloxone, document the details and retain the used equipment for handover to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) upon their arrival.