Naloxone

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by prescription opioids and opioid street drugs. When administered during an overdose, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and restores breathing within 2 to 3 minutes.  

Naloxone has been used safely by medical professionals for more than 40 years and has only one function: to reverse the effects of opioids on the brain and respiratory system in order to prevent death.

The administration of naloxone is encouraged for any suspected overdose. While there is no documented effective antidote for the effects of xylazine, naloxone should always be administered for all suspected overdoses, as xylazine is most often used in combination with opioids.

Free overdose prevention supplies including naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and xylazine test strips are available to Pennsylvanians through our overdose prevention program.

Naloxone can be administered by nasal spray (intranasal) or by syringe (intramuscular). All naloxone products have step-by-step instructions printed on them.   

Call 911 then follow these general steps to give naloxone, based on the form of naloxone listed. Plan to stay with the person for at least 3 hours or until help arrives. Keep these additional tips in mind when using naloxone.

Single-step nasal spray instructions

1. Peel back the package to remove the device
2. Place the tip of the nozzle in either nostril unit your fingers touch the bottom of the patient's nose.
3. Press the plunger firmly to release the dose into the patient's nose.
4. If no reaction within 3 minutes, give the second naloxone dose.

Side effects from the administration of naloxone are extremely rare, and in most cases, are limited to those common to opiate withdrawal which includes aches, sweating, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. 

Naloxone is not a drug substitute and will not cause any dependency, craving, or intoxication.