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 any 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.

Use naloxone for anyone showing signs of an opioid overdose, or if you suspect an overdose. It will not hurt someone who is not overdosing on opioids.

It takes 3 to 5 minutes to see naloxone’s lifesaving effects and they last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. If the person overdosing is still not breathing after 2-3 minutes, give another dose of naloxone and watch for signs of breathing for another 2-3 minutes.

Naloxone or other opioid antagonists are not a treatment for opioid use disorder.

Examples of opioids include:Heroin, Fentanyl, Oxycodone (OxyContin®), Hydrocodone (Vicodin®), Codeine, and Morphine

What You Need to Know about Naloxone in Missouri

Anyone can get naloxone at a Missouri pharmacy without a prescription because of the Statewide Standing Order. Naloxone is available as a generic drug or under the brand name NARCAN®.

The goal of the Missouri Overdose Rescue and Education (MORE) project is to reduce opioid-involved deaths in Missouri through training, education, and distribution of naloxone to first responders in rural regions of the state.

Getting naloxone from the pharmacy:

  1. Call ahead to the pharmacy to make sure it's in stock. If the pharmacy does not have naloxone, make a request to get it.
  2. When you get to the pharmacy, ask to speak with the pharmacist. Naloxone is a prescription drug, so it will not be stocked on the shelf with over-the-counter medications like aspirin.
  3. Mention the statewide standing order authorized by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. This order allows pharmacists to dispense naloxone to anyone without a paper or electronic prescription.
  4. Talk to the pharmacist about how to spot an opioid overdose and give naloxone, and which product is right for you. The statewide standing order covers generic naloxone and NARCAN® Nasal Spray. Insurance plans may not cover every naloxone product, so ask the pharmacist or call your insurance company’s customer service number for more information.

How to Administer Naloxone

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services recommends following all instructions included with naloxone. However, there are videos below for anyone who learns better by watching.

Training Videos:

Report an Overdose