naloxone

noun nal·ox·one \ na-ˈläk-ˌsōn \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Definition of naloxone

: 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.

Recent Examples of naloxone from the Web

Many paramedics and police officers carry naloxone and have been trained in how to administer it.

— catherine ho, San Francisco Chronicle, "California orders opioid overdose antidote naloxone available without prescription," 8 June 2018
Anyone in need has access to two doses of naloxone and will be educated by pharmacy staff on using the product.

— jennifer conn, akron reporter, cleveland.com, "Summa Health offers naloxone without a prescription at Akron and Barberton campuses," 1 May 2018
Yes, naloxone is enabling – enabling recovery Cardinal Health is among several drugmakers facing lawsuits in connection with the opioid epidemic.

— cincinnati enquirer, Cincinnati.com, "Drug distributor to donate 80,000 doses of overdose antidote naloxone," 10 Apr. 2018
The cost of naloxone, which varies, is covered by most insurance policies.

— stephanie armour, WSJ, "Surgeon General Urges Public to Carry Medication to Reverse Opioid Overdoses," 5 Apr. 2018
This year's Hero Helps Community Summit will offer training on how to administer naloxone, an opioid antidote that can be given to overdose victims to prevent death.

— susan demar lafferty, Daily Southtown, "Will County's heroin forum to offer Narcan training," 26 Mar. 2018
More: The surgeon general wants us to carry naloxone.

— shari rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, "Marion County could get needle exchange program, as hepatitis C rates soar," 17 May 2018
The governor said all Highway Patrol troopers and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics agents are carrying naloxone.

— Washington Post, "Surgeon general: Most in US think opioid abuse is not local," 17 May 2018
Adams previously has suggested that more people carry naloxone, the opioid overdose antidote that has become more common in recent years.

— chicago tribune staff, chicagotribune.com, "Morning Spin: Berrios faces $127,000 more in fines over campaign contributions," 2 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'naloxone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of naloxone

N-allyl + hydroxy- + -one

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1964

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

naloxone

noun nal·ox·one \ nal-ˈäk-ˌsōn , ˈnal-ək-ˌsōn \

medical Definition of naloxone

: 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 typically administered by injection 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.