Definition

1. Noun:
   • A potent narcotic antagonist: Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioids, such as heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. It is an antagonist, meaning it blocks opioid receptors in the nervous system.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Emergency medical personnel administered naloxone to the overdose victim.
  • Carrying naloxone can save a life during an opioid emergency.
  • The doctor explained that naloxone only works if opioids are present in the body.

Advanced Usage

• "to administer naloxone": to give the medication, typically via injection or nasal spray.
  • Police officers are now trained to administer naloxone.
• "naloxone kit" or "naloxone auto-injector": a pre-packaged dose of the medication designed for easy use by non-medical personnel.
  • Community centers provide free naloxone kits to the public.

Variants and Related Words

• Narcan (n): A common brand name for naloxone.
  • Narcan is available as a nasal spray.

Synonyms

• Opioid antagonist: A general term for substances that block opioid receptors.
• Overdose-reversal drug: A descriptive term highlighting its primary emergency use.

Notes on Meaning

This word refers specifically to the pharmaceutical compound used as an emergency treatment. It is not a treatment for addiction itself but a critical tool for reversing the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. Its use has become a central component of public health strategies to reduce overdose deaths.

Noun

1. a potent narcotic antagonist (trade name Narcan) especially effective with morphine