Medicines
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Narcan, Evzio, Kloxxado
Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, primarily from drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers. It belongs to the opioid antagonist class and works by competing with opioids for binding sites in the brain, effectively displacing them and reversing respiratory depression, the primary cause of death in opioid overdoses. Naloxone is available in various formulations, including injectable, nasal spray, and auto-injector.
Reverses opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors in the brain.
Outcome:
Precipitated opioid withdrawal
Mechanism:
Displacement of opioids from receptors
Outcome:
Hypotension
Mechanism:
Additive hypotensive effects
Outcome:
Reduced opioid effects
Mechanism:
Antagonism of adenosine receptors
Most likely new formulation: pre-filled, disposable naloxone auto-injectors for bystander use (2024, 70% confidence).
Based on increasing opioid overdose rates, the likelihood of wider naloxone availability without a prescription remains high (85% probability within the next 2 years).
Opioid Antagonist
Morphinan Derivative