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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As Loeffler-Cobia notes, the good news is that the number of fatal overdoses has decreased as a result of more availability of naloxone, the medicine that quickly reverses an opioid overdose. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 18 May 2025 But many public health researchers credit efforts to expand access to naloxone, a drug that can reverse an overdose, as well as more addiction treatment. Josh Katz, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2025 The deputies administered naloxone in an effort to reverse the overdose, and Morales ultimately survived after being taken to a hospital. Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 1 Mar. 2025 But undoubtedly, naloxone has been a game-changer in saving lives from overdose. Jackie Siegel, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for naloxone

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

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Cite this Entry

“Naloxone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naloxone. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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.

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