What is Naloxone?

Naloxone, also widely known by the brand name, Narcan, is classified as a prescription medication, though it is not a controlled substance. Naloxone blocks the effects of opioid medication, discouraging misuse and minimizing the risk of overdose. In the state of Missouri, Naloxone can be dispensed by a pharmacist without a prescription.

Naloxone is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reverse opioid overdoses by blocking the opioid receptor sites. This medication can be given by intranasal spray, intramuscular (into the muscle), or intravenous injection.

What does Naloxone look like?

How is Naloxone abused?

Naloxone has no potential for abuse.

How does Naloxone affect a person?

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist and blocks the opioids from the receptors in the brain for 30-90 minutes to reverse the respiratory depression that would otherwise lead to death. If given to a person who has not taken opioids, it will not have any effect.

What are the health effects/risks of using Naloxone?

Use of naloxone may cause symptoms of opioid withdrawal, including nervousness, restlessness, irritability, body aches, dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, fever, chills, goose bumps, and sneezing or runny nose in the absence of a cold.