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 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.
Types of naloxone available in Ireland
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
Step-by-step guide 'How to administer naloxone'
Opioid Overdose Awareness and Naloxone Administration training course (HSeLand)
Additional staff training information
Pre reading material 'Overdose Awareness and Naloxone Administration Training'
Posters
Overdose Rescue Plan
"Together We Can" reduce fatal overdoses by supporting people who use drugs with individual overdose safety and rescue plan
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 adminstration by addiction and homeless service providers in Ireland: 2018-2020
External Evaluation of the Naloxone Demonstration Project. Health Service Executive, Clarke, A. and Eustace, A., 2016