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

Its strength means that the drug used to reverse opioid overdoses, naloxone, more commonly known as Narcan, may not be as effective and may require several doses to work. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2026

Under the final plan, the city will use the funds to expand the availability of naloxone (an overdose-reversing nasal spray), create more mobile treatment options, increase support for peer overdose programs and invest in harm reduction and 24/7 support efforts. —Ophelia Anwah, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026

The mass distribution of naloxone, an opioid-overdose-reversing nasal spray commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is a significant element. —Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

In crowded places, people can ask a police officer for naloxone, which many carry. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

N-allyl + hydroxy- + -one

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for naloxone

• atony
• baloney
• begone
• canzone
• estrone
• fanconi
• mansoni
• moloney
• morone
• ngoni
• pallone
• quinone

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.