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

The university already keeps some naloxone on its grounds in light of another 2023 law requiring public high schools and colleges to have it on campus. —Alex Golden, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024

And yet with fentanyl, the drug naloxone, if administered quickly enough, can reverse the effects of opiates and save lives. —Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2024

These organizations often provide naloxone distribution programs and might offer free Narcan kits along with training on overdose recognition and response. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 12 Sep. 2024

The state is putting 3,000 fentanyl harm prevention kits, plus naloxone, in a vending machine on the University of Arkansas campus. —Alex Golden, Axios, 31 Oct. 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.