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

First responders frequently report now having to administer multiple doses of naloxone (best known by the brand name Narcan) to reverse a fentanyl overdose. —Dr. Jerome Adams, CNN Money, 29 July 2025

Opioid Recovery Partnership will be used to purchase naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug. —Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025

Tilt the person’s head back and give naloxone (Narcan), if available. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

San Diego County has canceled a multimillion-dollar contract to distribute naloxone, a nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses, at a critical time for addiction services. —Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

N-allyl + hydroxy- + -one

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for naloxone

• atony
• baloney
• begone
• canzone
• estrone
• fanconi
• mansoni
• moloney
• morone
• ngoni
• pallone
• quinone

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.