Naloxone is an antidote used to reverse the effects of opioid drugs like heroin, morphine and methadone if someone overdoses.

What is Naloxone?

• Naloxone (pronounced na-LOX-own) is a prescription medication used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid drugs (for example heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone and fentanyl) if someone experiences an overdose.
• Naloxone can help to keep a person alive until an ambulance arrives.
• Naloxone works by displacing opioid molecules from their receptors in the body and brain.
• There are two types of Naloxone available in Ireland
  
  Intramuscular Naloxone (brand name Prenoxad™)
• A pre-filled syringe and needle which once assembled is injected into the middle outer thigh
• Each pack is for SINGLE INDIVIDUAL USE only 5 doses of 0.4mg per dose

Intranasal Naloxone (brand name Nyxoid™)

• A needle-free device that requires no assembly
• Each pack contains 2 nasal sprays
  If both doses are required they are sprayed into alternate nostrils
• Each nasal spray is for SINGLE INDIVIDUAL USE only
• 1.8mg per dose...

[See the drugs.ie website for further detail and, also, the National Office of Social Inclusion website]