Naloxone is an FDA-approved medication that temporarily blocks the effects of opioids in the body. It's designed to help restore normal breathing in someone whose breathing has slowed or stopped because of opioid use.
How Naloxone Works
Opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers like oxycodone and morphine attach to receptors in the brain that help control breathing. Naloxone works as an opioid antagonist, meaning it binds to those same receptors and temporarily blocks the opioids from affecting them.
Forms of Naloxone
Naloxone is available in a few different forms, designed so that anyone, not just medical professionals, can use it.
Nasal spray is the simplest form, requiring no assembly beyond a single spray into one nostril. Injectable naloxone involves drawing the medication into a syringe and injecting it into a muscle. Auto-injectors are pre-filled devices that walk you through each step with voice prompts as you use them.
Nasal sprays tend to be the most common option in community settings, largely because they're portable and don't require any special training to use.
Each option is equally effective at reversing an opioid overdose. Nasal sprays are most common in community settings because they're safe, portable, and require no medical training.
Who Can Use Naloxone?
You don't need to be a medical professional to use naloxone. Many states allow pharmacists to dispense it without a prescription, and non-medical individuals, including family, friends, and community members, can carry and use it. Local community health centers and public health departments often offer training if you'd like it, though it isn't required.
Is Naloxone Safe?
Naloxone has a strong safety record. It only affects people who have opioids in their system, so it has no effect if given to someone who hasn't taken opioids. Possible side effects are generally mild and may include temporary discomfort such as nausea, sweating, or agitation, typically related to opioid withdrawal.
Where to Get Naloxone
Naloxone is available at many local pharmacies, harm reduction centers, and community distribution boxes. Many states also offer it through public health department programs and mail-order services, often at no cost and without requiring an ID or prescription.
Visit our Naloxone Provider Directory to find free or low-cost access points near you.
Next Steps
If you'd like to know when naloxone applies, our When to Use Naloxone page covers how to recognize an opioid overdose. When you're ready for administration details, our How to Use Naloxone page points you to the right resources.
Disclaimer
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Nove is a carry case only, not an FDA-regulated medical device, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any medication manufacturer. Nove LLC does not include or supply medication of any kind. For questions about the medication itself, refer to the manufacturer's instructions or contact your pharmacist. For product questions, reach us at contact@novedevice.com or +1 317 445 3130.