Naloxone

Pain, Itching, Septic Shock + 7 more
Treatment
6 FDA approvals
20 Active Studies for Naloxone

What is Naloxone

NaloxoneThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryNaloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid drugs, such as morphine, hydromorphone, methadone, heroin, and fentanyl. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the body and preventing opioids from having an effect. Naloxone is most commonly used to treat opioid overdoses, which can cause symptoms like difficulty breathing, reduced heart rate, slurred speech, drowsiness, and constricted pupils. It is available as an injection (brand name Narcan) or nasal spray, and is sometimes included in the combination product Suboxone with buprenorphine for the maintenance treatment of opioid
Narcanis the brand name
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Naloxone Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Narcan
Naloxone
1971
241

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Naloxone, otherwise called Narcan, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses including Opioids and Pain .
Opioids
Pain
Used to treat moderate Pain in combination with Pentazocine
Pain
Used to treat Severe Pain in combination with Pentazocine
Septic Shock
Opioid Dependence
Used to treat Opioid Dependence in combination with Buprenorphine
Respiratory Depression

Effectiveness

How Naloxone Affects PatientsNaloxone is a medicine used to reverse opioid overdoses. It works quickly, but may need to be taken multiple times since it wears off sooner than opioids. It will not have any effect if the person has not taken opioids. When taking naloxone, people may experience withdrawal symptoms and the effects of the overdose may not be completely reversed if other drugs are present.
How Naloxone works in the bodyNaloxone blocks opioids from binding to the body's opioid receptors. This reverses the effects of opioids and can be used to treat overdoses. If a patient has not taken opioids, naloxone won't have much of an effect.

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested dosage of Naloxone is contingent on the determined condition, such as Opioid Dependence, Pain and Septic Shock. The amount of dosage also varies as per the method of delivery (e.g. Spray, metered or Tablet) as detailed in the table below.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Itching
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Emergency Care
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Pain
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Septic Shock
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Opioid Dependence
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Opioids
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Pain
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Respiratory Depression
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Opioids
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Opioids
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal

Warnings

Naloxone Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Naloxone may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Naloxone.
Common Naloxone Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
(R)-warfarin
Major
The metabolism of (R)-warfarin can be decreased when combined with Naloxone.
(S)-Warfarin
Major
The metabolism of (S)-Warfarin can be decreased when combined with Naloxone.
1,2-Benzodiazepine
Major
The metabolism of 1,2-Benzodiazepine can be decreased when combined with Naloxone.
3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid
Major
The metabolism of 3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid can be decreased when combined with Naloxone.
5-androstenedione
Major
The metabolism of 5-androstenedione can be decreased when combined with Naloxone.
Naloxone Toxicity & Overdose RiskNaloxone has no significant effect on patients who have not taken opioids. The toxic dose of naloxone in mice and rats is greater than 1 g/kg when taken orally, 80 mg/kg when injected into the abdominal cavity, and 286 mg/kg when injected under the skin in mice, and 500 mg/kg when injected under the skin in rats.
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Naloxone Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Naloxone?

64 active clinical trials are underway to assess the effectiveness of Naloxone in providing relief from Opioids, Opioids-Induced Pain and Pain.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Opioids
0 Actively Recruiting
Septic Shock
16 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4
Itching
10 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1
Pain
0 Actively Recruiting
Opioid Dependence
14 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Pain
0 Actively Recruiting
Respiratory Depression
0 Actively Recruiting
Opioids
1 Actively Recruiting
Early Phase 1
Emergency Care
0 Actively Recruiting
Opioids
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2

Naloxone Reviews: What are patients saying about Naloxone?

2Patient Review
11/15/2007
Naloxone for Toxic Amount of Narcotics in the Body
I'm not a fan of needles, but this treatment was necessary.
1.7Patient Review
10/3/2009
Naloxone for Decrease in Rate & Depth of Breathing due to Opioid Drug
My husband was given this drug due to a misdiagnosis. Unfortunately, it caused brain damage as I have been warned by other doctors. Please be careful with this medication.
1Patient Review
7/27/2011
Naloxone for Decrease in Rate & Depth of Breathing due to Opioid Drug
The side effects of this drug are so severe that I would never recommend it to anyone, even if it was the only treatment available.
1Patient Review
2/22/2011
Naloxone for Decrease in Rate & Depth of Breathing due to Opioid Drug
I was not pleased with the effects of this drug. They were very debilitating and I think it's wrong to give someone a medication without them knowing what it is first.
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Patient Q&A Section about naloxone

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What type of opioid is naloxone?

"Naloxone is a drug that is used to counteract the effects of opioids. It works by attaching to the opioid receptors in the body and reverses the effects that other opioids have on the body. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if they have overdosed on opioids and their breathing has slowed or stopped."

Answered by AI

Is naloxone an opioid or opiate?

"The medication Naloxone is used to temporarily stop the effects of an opioid overdose, like slowed breathing. Increasing awareness and availability of this medication is a key way the public health system is responding to the opioid epidemic."

Answered by AI

What class of drug is naloxone?

"Naloxone injection is used to reverse the effects of opiates. It works by blocking the effects of opiates to relieve dangerous symptoms caused by high levels of opiates in the blood."

Answered by AI

What is the difference between Narcan and naloxone?

"Naloxone is an antidote for opioid overdose. People addicted to opioids are at heightened risk of overdose."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Naloxone

Have you considered Naloxone clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Naloxone, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Naloxone clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Naloxone, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Naloxone clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Naloxone, we think they might fit your search criteria.