The drug naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means that it reverses the effects of an opioid overdose on the central nervous system. It is widely used in emergency situations worldwide since it is safe and effective for use in treating an opioid overdose. U.S. naloxone is a highly effective opioid overdose treatment, as it can restore breathing in as little as two to eight minutes. The drug has no effect on those who have not abused opioids and has an excellent safety margin. It was patented in the early 1960s and became approved for intravenous use in 1971.
Although U.S. naloxone is available for purchase in
most pharmacies, naloxone can also be purchased without a prescription from a
health care professional. Some commercial health insurance plans also cover the
cost of naloxone, although co-pays may vary. It is also possible for
pharmacists to prescribe naloxone through collaborative drug therapy
agreements. In many cases, a naloxone
prescription can be obtained at a pharmacy without a health care provider's
guidance. increasing opioid cases in the U.S. during the
pandemic is expected to drive the U.S.
naloxone market over the forecast period
Due to the high number of opioid overdoses in the
United Kingdom, naloxone has become a widely available, easy-to-use drug. As of
December 2021, U.S. naloxone can be obtained at almost any pharmacy without a
prescription and is widely available in public places. Naloxone can also be
prescribed by trained laypeople. This allows non-medical first responders to
administer the medication without a medical professional.
U.S. naloxone can be injected through the skin or clothing
and can help stop breathing in an opioid overdose. In most cases, the drug
works best when emergency medical care is obtained as well as CPR. Several
countries have taken steps to introduce naloxone in public places. Several have
begun to roll out take-home naloxone programs.
Several regions are on track to implement naloxone schemes by the middle of
2019. For instance, in May 2022, the Tennessee Department of Health reported
that the cases of fatal drug overdoses increased by 45% in 2020 across the U.S.