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

One factor behind the decline in deaths that’s not in question is more widespread availability of naloxone. —Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2025

The event will also have free gun trigger locks, biometric gun safes and naloxone – the opioid overdose-reversing nasal spray. —Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025

But if the patient starts breathing but does not immediately wake up, additional doses of naloxone should be avoided. —Karen Alexander, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2025

Because xylazine overdoses don’t fully respond to naloxone, physicians and emergency medical technicians should be prepared to keep patients stable in the field for longer periods of time — ensuring their breathing and providing supplemental oxygen if necessary. —Lilia Pacheco Bufanda, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025

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.