naloxone

American  

[nuh-lok-sohn, nal-uhk-sohn] / nəˈlɒk soʊn, ˈnæl əkˌsoʊn /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. an opioid antagonist, C 19 H 21 NO 4 , used to reverse the acute respiratory depression that occurs with opioid overdose.

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naloxone British  

/ nəˈlɒksəʊn /

noun

1. a chemical substance that counteracts the effects of opiates by binding to opiate receptors on cells

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Etymology

Origin of naloxone

First recorded in 1960–65; by shortening and rearrangement of dihydroxy-, morphinan-, and -one, components of its chemical name

Example Sentences

She is a nurse with more than 30 years' experience and can prescribe treatments and hand out naloxone, which she describes as "like a duty of care or a moral issue".

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

But in the face of numerous news reports about the proposed cuts, Kennedy has not offered full-throated, public support for the naloxone program.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2025

The study used an experimental drug called naloxone methiodide.

From Salon • Feb. 6, 2025

Former President Joe Biden was the first president in U.S. history to endorse a harm reduction strategy at the federal level, making naloxone available over the counter and investing $82 billion in treatment facilities.

From Salon • Jan. 30, 2025

The naloxone will move to the CalRx label once its approved by the U.S.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2024