naloxone

noun

nal·​ox·​one na-ˈläk-ˌsōn 

: a synthetic potent antagonist of narcotic drugs (such as morphine and fentanyl) that is administered especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₉H₂₁NO₄·HCl

Note: Naloxone is administered by injection or as a nasal spray to reverse the effects of opioids especially in the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. It is also administered in combination with buprenorphine in the form of a dissolvable tablet placed under the tongue or a film placed inside the cheek to treat opioid dependence.

Examples of naloxone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Denver has invested in connecting people to health care and harm reduction efforts, such as offering clean needles and naloxone, Arnaiz said. —Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 20 May 2026

On the street level, there are calls for wider distribution of naloxone, and for educating young people about the dangers that may lurk inside a pain pill or a bag of synthetic cannabinoids. —The Week Us, TheWeek, 18 May 2026

Experts attribute the decline in part to the widespread use of naloxone, which is used to revive those suffering from opioid overdoses. —CBS News, 18 May 2026

Santamour said his organization mails out 400 kits of four doses of naloxone every month across Florida, and the demand hasn’t slowed down in four years. —Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

N-allyl + hydroxy- + -one

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for naloxone

• alloxan
• digoxin
• dioxan
• dioxin
• naproxen
• thyroxin
• aflatoxin
• antitoxin
• digitoxin
• endotoxin
• exotoxin
• ferredoxin

Medical Definition

naloxone

noun

nal·​ox·​one nal-ˈäk-ˌsōn  ˈnal-ək-ˌsōn 

: a potent synthetic antagonist of narcotic drugs (as morphine and fentanyl) that is administered especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₉H₂₁NO₄·HCl

Note: Naloxone is administered by injection or as a nasal spray to reverse the effects of opioids and especially in the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. It is also administered in combination with buprenorphine in the form of a dissolvable tablet placed under the tongue or a film placed inside the cheek to treat opioid dependence. Trademarks for preparations containing naloxone include Bunavail, Evzio, Narcan, Suboxone, and Zubsolv.