naloxone

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

noun

, Pharmacology.

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

naloxone

/ nəˈlɒksəʊn /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of naloxone¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of naloxone¹

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

Example Sentences

There are several other approaches available, like providing the opioid overdose antidote naloxone, supervised consumption sites, and giving heroin to treatment-resistant patients.

From Vox

Users were more isolated, leading to additional overdoses because other people were not nearby to summon first responders or administer the opioid antidote naloxone, experts said.

From Washington Post

They also hand out naloxone, the drug known by its brand name Narcan that is used to treat overdoses and prevent fatalities.

From Washington Post

On Friday morning, county Public Health Officer Wilma Wooten is set to sign an order allowing lifesaving overdose reversal drug naloxone to be distributed throughout the county without prescriptions.

From Voice of San Diego

Homeless-serving nonprofit Father Joe’s Villages also reports that security guards who patrol around its facilities intervened in 41 overdose incidents last year, reviving all they aided with naloxone.

From Voice of San Diego

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast