Naloxone

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Naloxone is a drug that quickly reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids such as heroin, methadone, fentanyl and morphine. It works by temporarily blocking the brain receptors that are affected by an opioid.

While naloxone can restore breathing within minutes it is only active in the body for 20 to 90 minutes. After naloxone dissipates from the body opioids can still be present and cause breathing to stop again. Depending on the type of opioid and how it was taken naloxone may need to be used again. Naloxone can sometimes require more than one dose to reverse the effects of an overdose. An individual cannot overdose on Naloxone.

There are two types of naloxone kits which can come in a variety of appearances:

Nasal spray naloxone is applied directly into the nose where it is absorbed through the sinus tissue and takes effect in 2-3 minutes.
Each nasal spray naloxone kit includes:

  • 1 hard case
  • 2 doses of naloxone nasal spray (4 mg/0.1ml)
  • 1 one-way breathing barrier
  • 1 pair of non-latex gloves
  • 2 cards that identify the person is trained to give naloxone (English and French)
  • 1 insert with instructions (English and French)

       

Injectable naloxone is injected directly into a muscle such as the thigh, bicep or buttock. Injectable naloxone starts to take effect in 3 to 5 minutes.

Each injectable naloxone kit includes:

  • 1 hard case
  • 2 (0.4 mg/1 ml) vials or ampoules (a small glass container) of naloxone
  • 2 safety-engineered syringes with 25 g, 1” needles attached
  • 2 alcohol swabs
  • 2 devices (known as “breakers,” “snappers,” or “openers”) for opening ampoules safely
  • 1 one-way breathing barrier
  • 1 pair of non-latex gloves
  • 2 cards that identify the person is trained to give naloxone (English and French)
  • 1 insert with instructions (English and French)

      

To learn more about opioid overdose, how to administer Naloxone and how to support individuals who use substance please read our Naloxone Training document.

To learn how to get a Naloxone kit and receive Naloxone training contact us at 705-497-3560  [email protected]