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

The slight drop is partially accredited to the community distribution of naloxone, a medicine used to reverse the effects of opioids and stabilize breathing.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to taking lifesaving measures — including giving the men the overdose-reversing drug naloxone — deputies requested help from the Los Angeles Fire Department.

From Los Angeles Times

Fire Department’s Station 11 — one of the busiest in the nation, partly because of overdose calls — and watched as paramedics pushed naloxone, an opioid overdose drug, through an IV line and revived him.

From Los Angeles Times

First developed as painkillers by the Swiss company Ciba Pharmaceuticals in the 50s, nitazenes are synthetic opioids roughly as potent as fentanyl but sometimes demanding more naloxone to revive from an overdose.

From Salon

And yet with fentanyl, the drug naloxone, if administered quickly enough, can reverse the effects of opiates and save lives.

From Los Angeles Times