Naloxone

What is Naloxone?​

Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. But, naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder. Examples of opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, and morphine.

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Where can I get naloxone?

Many pharmacies carry naloxone. In California, you can get naloxone from a pharmacist even if your doctor did not write you a prescription for it. It is also possible to get naloxone from community-based distribution programs, local public health groups, or local health departments, free of charge.

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Naloxone Access Resources in San Diego

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A New PATH: This is a local San Diego agency that provides free opioid prevention & response training in San Diego County. At the training, they will teach you about the causes of opioid overdose and how to recognize and respond to an overdose, including administering an opioid antagonist (naloxone). You will leave the training with naloxone. Learn more by clicking here. 

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Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego. Learn more by clicking here. 

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County of San Diego Public Health Centers. Naloxone is available free of charge and the below locations.

• East Region: El Cajon: 367 N. Magnolia Suite 101 El Cajon, Ca. 92020

• North Inland: Escondido: 649 W Mission Ave #2, Escondido, CA 92025

• North Coastal: Oceanside: 3609 Ocean Ranch Boulevard Suite #104 Oceanside, CA 92056

• Central Region: San Diego, City Heights: 5202 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92105

• North Central: San Diego, Kearny Mesa: 5055 Ruffin Road, San Diego CA.

• South Region: Chula Vista: 690 Oxford Street Chula Vista, CA 91911

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Harm Reduction Kits at San Diego Sheriff Station and Substations: You can get free harm reduction kits at any Sheriff's Department Station and Substation (locations linked here). No questions asked. The Harm Reduction Kits consist of a box of Naloxone containing two doses of the nasal spray.  Brochures in English and Spanish provide instructions on how to use Naloxone. 

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How to use naloxone

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