Naloxone

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 fentanyl.

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

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

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