Overdose is a dangerous and deadly consequence of heroin use. A large dose of heroin depresses heart rate and breathing to such an extent that a user cannot survive without medical help. Naloxone (e.g., Narcan®, Kloxxado®) is an opioid receptor antagonist medication that can eliminate all signs of opioid intoxication to reverse an opioid overdose. It works by rapidly binding to opioid receptors, preventing heroin from activating them.27 Because of the dramatic increase in overdose deaths involving opioids, there has been greater demand for opioid overdose prevention services. Naloxone that can be used by nonmedical personnel has been shown to be cost-effective and save lives.28 In April 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a Narcan® nasal spray that is sprayed directly into one nostril. In 2021, the FDA approved a higher dose naloxone nasal spray—KLOXXADO®.29 Since Narcan® and Kloxxado® can be used by family members or caregivers, it greatly expands access to naloxone.30
In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) continually updates its Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit that provides helpful information necessary to develop policies and practices to prevent opioid-related overdoses and deaths. The kit provides material tailored for first responders, treatment providers, and individuals recovering from an opioid overdose. Learn more about naloxone in NIDA’s policy brief.