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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A New PATH 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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Naloxone can also be accessed through the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego. Learn more by clicking here. 

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How to use naloxone

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