Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist used to rapidly reverse respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose. It can be given by injection (IM, IV, SC) or nasal spray.
Also known as: narcan, nyxoid
No documented drug–drug interactions for this medicine.
No documented food or drink interactions.
No documented disease interactions.
Opioid antagonist — no known teratogenic effect. Used in emergency during pregnancy.
All trimesters: safe (used in emergency).
Excreted in breast milk in low concentrations. Safe during breastfeeding.
No known effects on fertility.
DailyMed/FDA — approved Naloxone label: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b5463553-b775-47a3-8d10-31e01ca1ec72
Clinical and educational support tool. The information does not replace a medical prescription or the opinion of a qualified healthcare professional.
Pure opioid receptor antagonist (μ, κ, δ). Rapidly reverses respiratory depression caused by opioids. No intrinsic agonist activity.
Directly competes with opioids for mu receptor binding. Rapid onset (1-3 min IV) but short duration — may need repeat dosing.
IV: onset 1-3 min, duration 30-90 min. IM/SC: onset 2-5 min, duration 30-90 min. Nasal spray: onset 2-3 min.
Metabolised in the liver by glucuronidation (UGT2B7). Inactive metabolites excreted renally.
30-90 min (IV). Shorter than most opioids — risk of re-sedation.
