Naloxone (Naloxone hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to reverse an opioid overdose quickly. Signs of an opioid overdose include difficulty with breathing, pinpoint pupils of the eyes, severe sleepiness, or loss of consciousness. This drug should be administered immediately if the signs of an opioid overdose are suspected. The active ingredient in Naloxone is Naloxone hydrochloride. Naloxone hydrochloride belongs to a class of drugs called opioid antagonists. It works by attaching to opioid receptors to reverse and block the effects of opioids. After administering Naloxone, a patient must receive emergency medical care even if they wake up.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Naloxone from Canada, manufactured by Omega Laboratories Ltd in the strength of 0.4 mg/ml injection. The generic Naloxone hydrochloride is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Naloxone. The most common side effects of Naloxone may include the following:
• Body aches;
• Fast heart rate;
• Fever;
• Nausea;
• Runny nose;
• Sweating
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, lips, or throat
These are not all of the side effects of Naloxone. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not receive Naloxone if you are allergic to Naloxone hydrochloride or any ingredient in Naloxone. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have heart problems;
• Have kidney problems;
• Have liver disease
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Naloxone and other medicines, like droperidol, fentanyl, heroin, codeine, tramadol, hydrocortisone, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Using Naloxone in pregnancy may cause withdrawal effects in an unborn baby. However, it is essential to treat an opioid overdose in pregnancy. You must get emergency medical help after using this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is unknown if Naloxone hydrochloride passes into breast milk or if it may affect a nursing infant.
Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Naloxone is an injection. Your doctor, caregiver, or family member can administer this medication. Your caregiver or family member must know how to administer this medicine in an emergency. Naloxone hydrochloride is administered in the thigh muscle. If you are administering Naloxone, place the patient on their back, and when you are ready to inject it, pull off the cap to expose the needle. Do not put your finger on top of the device. Hold the injection by your fingertips and slowly insert the needle into the thigh. Push the plunger down until it clicks, and hold for two seconds. After the injection, slide the safety guard over the needle using only one hand. Turn the patient on their side to place them in a recovery position after administering Naloxone. You may need to perform CPR on the person while you wait for emergency help to arrive. Store this medication below room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep out of the reach of children.