naloxone

noun

nal·​ox·​one na-ˈläk-ˌsōn 

: a synthetic potent antagonist of narcotic drugs (such as morphine and fentanyl) that is administered especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₉H₂₁NO₄·HCl

Note: Naloxone is administered by injection or as a nasal spray to reverse the effects of opioids especially in the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. It is also administered in combination with buprenorphine in the form of a dissolvable tablet placed under the tongue or a film placed inside the cheek to treat opioid dependence.

Examples of naloxone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The letter encourages federal funds be used for naloxone, the overdose-reversal medication; sharps disposal kits; and testing and vaccination for infectious diseases like hepatitis and HIV. —Lev Facher, STAT, 27 Apr. 2026

Ferguson also did not discuss or prescribe the opioid overdose-reversing drug naloxone with the patient on morphine despite her high-dose use, the board found. —Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026

Wider use of naloxone, test strips and other harm-reduction tools has helped reduce risk at the margins, though no form of illicit opioid use is safe. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

Experts say that even multiple high doses of naloxone might not be enough to reverse an overdose when carfentanil is involved. —ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

N-allyl + hydroxy- + -one

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for naloxone

• atony
• baloney
• begone
• canzone
• estrone
• fanconi
• mansoni
• moloney
• morone
• ngoni
• pallone
• quinone

Medical Definition

naloxone

noun

nal·​ox·​one nal-ˈäk-ˌsōn  ˈnal-ək-ˌsōn 

: a potent synthetic antagonist of narcotic drugs (as morphine and fentanyl) that is administered especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₉H₂₁NO₄·HCl

Note: Naloxone is administered by injection or as a nasal spray to reverse the effects of opioids and especially in the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. It is also administered in combination with buprenorphine in the form of a dissolvable tablet placed under the tongue or a film placed inside the cheek to treat opioid dependence. Trademarks for preparations containing naloxone include Bunavail, Evzio, Narcan, Suboxone, and Zubsolv.