Naloxone, sold under the brandname
Narcan among others, is a
medication used to reverse the effects of
opioids, especially in
overdose. Naloxone may be combined within the same pill as an opioid to decrease the risk of misuse. When given
intravenously, it works within two minutes, and when injected into a muscle, it works within five minutes. The medication may also be
used in the nose. The effects of naloxone last about half an hour to an hour. Multiple doses may be required, as the duration of action of most opioids is greater than that of naloxone.