Naloxone
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
Signs of an opioid overdose
Naloxone and Covid-19
- Please be advised to follow the latest HSE infection prevention and control guidelines regarding the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at the time of supporting someone experiencing overdose remains an important mitigation.
- Please note that the current guidelines during covid19 do not include feeling for breath on the cheek or rescue breaths at this time.
How to respond to an opioid overdose
- If someone is showing signs of an overdose call 112 or 999 for an ambulance without delay
- Check if they are breathing
- If they are NOT breathing start chest compressions
- If they are breathing put them into the recovery position
- Administer Naloxone and continue chest compressions (if the person is NOT breathing)
- Administer further doses of naloxone as required
- Wait with them until the ambulance arrives
How to move a person into the recovery position
How to carry out chest compressions
Please note that the current guidelines during covid19 do not include rescue breaths at this time.
Further Naloxone Resources
Download a Step by Step guide How to administer Naloxone here
Video Resources
Get video resources on our site here
Further Information
- Download Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Download training resources flash cards
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