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NALOXONE
Naloxone is used to treat an opioid overdose if someone has
taken too much. It can be injected or sprayed in the nose.
Naloxone only works for opioids. It may need to be given
more than once for an opioid overdose since its effects may
wear off before the opioid does.
Warnings
• Medications should be kept at home, and must be locked in a
safe place.
• Women should let their clinician know if they are pregnant
or breast feeding.
• Patients on these medications should not use other opioid
medications or illegal drugs. They should not drink alcohol
or take sedatives, tranquilizers, or other drugs that slow
breathing. This can cause deadly side effects.
To ensure patient safety, the clinician should also provide a
prescription for naloxone for the patient and family members.
Having naloxone can help to save a person who may relapse
or take so much opioid that she/he stops breathing.