NaloxoneOver the counter

Pronounced nal-OX-one

Brand names: Narcan

Type: Opioid overdose antidote · All Pain Relief & Fever Medicines

What Naloxone is used for

• Reversing opioid overdose
• Suspected opioid overdose in the community (nasal spray)

Common side effects

• Sudden withdrawal symptoms in people dependent on opioids
• Nausea
• Headache
• Rapid heartbeat

Important cautions

• Its effect wears off before most opioids do — emergency services must still be called, and repeat amounts are sometimes needed
• It only reverses opioids — it does not reverse alcohol or sedative overdoses

How it comes

Nasal spray, injection. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.