naloxone

noun

nal·​ox·​one na-ˈläk-ˌsōn How to pronounce naloxone (audio)
: 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 The organization distributes naloxone, sometimes known by the brand names Narcan or Kloxxado — a nasal spray that can halt a deadly opioid overdose if administered promptly — and trains people on how to use it. Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2024 The naloxone reservoir can be refilled via a hypodermic needle inserted through the skin into a port on top of the implant. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 16 Aug. 2024 The program’s goal is to reduce overdose deaths in Marion County by delivering the opioid reversal medication naloxone directly to those who are statistically at higher risk of fatally overdosing in the future. Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 30 July 2024 The county has to buy naloxone, the drug that can reverse an opioid overdose, separately. Meg Wingerter, The Denver Post, 14 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for naloxone 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'naloxone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

N-allyl + hydroxy- + -one

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of naloxone was in 1964

Dictionary Entries Near naloxone

Cite this Entry

“Naloxone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naloxone. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

naloxone

noun
: 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.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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