Naloxone (pronounced na-LOX-own) is a prescription medication used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid drugs for example heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone and synthetic opioids (for example nitazenes).
If someone experiences an overdose;
- naloxone can help to keep a person alive until an ambulance arrives
- naloxone works by displacing opioid molecules from their receptors in the body and brain.
There are two types of naloxone available in Ireland
Intramuscular Naloxone (brand name Prenoxad™)
- A pre-filled syringe and needle which once assembled is injected into the middle outer thigh
- Each pack is for SINGLE INDIVIDUAL USE only
- 5 doses of 0.4mg per dose.
Intranasal Naloxone (brand name Nyxoid™)
- A needle-free device that requires no assembly
- Each pack contains 2 nasal sprays which contain 1 dose each
- If both doses are required they are sprayed into alternate nostrils
- Each nasal spray is for SINGLE INDIVIDUAL USE only
- 1.8mg per dose
Training Information
Video resources available here
Frequently Asked Questions
Training flashcards
Step by Step guide 'How to administer naloxone'
Staff Training Information
Pre reading material 'Overdose Awareness and Naloxone Administration Training'
Frontline Workers Manual
Posters
Printable naloxone posters
Data Templates
Please submit completed naloxone training and administration data forms at the end of each month to jennifer.smyth2@hse.ie
Form 1 Service Participants Training Checklist
Form 2 Staff Participant Training Checklist
Form 3 Record of Naloxone Training
Form 4 Peer Naloxone Administration Data (please note only use for peer)
Form 5 Naloxone Administration Data
Form 6 Pharmacy patient consent form for naloxone administration (Pharmacy use only)
Form 7 Pharmacy log for recording details of naloxone administration (Pharmacy use only)
Naloxone Reports
HSE Drug Insights Report 2: NALOXONE ADMINISTRATION BY ADDICTION & HOMELESS SERVICE PROVIDERS IN IRELAND: 2018-2020
External Evaluation of the Naloxone Demonstration Project. Health Service Executive, Clarke, A. and Eustace, A., 2016
