naloxone

[ nuh-lok-sohn, nal-uhk-sohn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Pharmacology.

an opioid antagonist, C 19 H 21 NO 4 , used to reverse the acute respiratory depression that occurs with opioid overdose.

naloxone

/ nəˈlɒksəʊn /

a chemical substance that counteracts the effects of opiates by binding to opiate receptors on cells

First recorded in 1960–65; by shortening and rearrangement of dihydroxy-, morphinan-, and -one, components of its chemical name

C20: from N-al ( lylnor ) ox ( ymorph ) one, the chemical name

The second is naloxone, the antagonist, meaning that it stops the action of other opiates, like heroin.

This can include making anti-addiction drug buprenorphine available to them, as well as anti-overdose medication naloxone.

In other circumstances, naloxone (also known as Narcan) might work.

Other laws have been put in place to allow for prescription of a take-home “antidote” called naloxone to known users.

One such drug is naloxone, which can be used to reverse any type of opiate overdose (heroin is an opiate).

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