Community access
Schools, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations hold training programs to educate laypeople on the proper use of naloxone and to send them home with medicine. It is estimated that programs like these have helped to reverse more than 26,000 overdoses in the US. Harm reduction organizations providing needle and syringes to those injecting drugs have been particularly involved in naloxone distribution, purchasing medicine at discounted rates through a Buyers Club and distributing more than 3 million vials to those at high risk or likely to be with those at high risk between 2017 and 2020 alone. In a survey of US laypersons in December 2021, most people believed the scientifically-supported idea that trained bystanders can reverse overdoses with naloxone.A survey of US naloxone prescription programs in 2010 revealed that 21 out of 48 programs reported challenges in obtaining naloxone in the months leading up to the survey, due mainly to either cost increases that outstripped allocated funding or the suppliers inability to fill orders. The approximate cost of a 1 ml ampoule of naloxone in the US is estimated to be significantly higher than in most other countries.Take-home naloxone programs for people who use opioids is under way in many North American cities. CDC estimates that the US programs for drug users and their caregivers prescribing take-home doses of naloxone and training on its use  prevented 10,000 opioid overdose deaths by 2014.In Australia, as of February 1, 2016, some forms of naloxone are available "over the counter" in pharmacies without a prescription.
Naloxone, sold under the brand names Narcan (4 mg) and Kloxxado (8 mg) among others, is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioids. It is commonly used to counter decreased breathing in opioid overdose. Effects begin within two minutes when given intravenously, and within five minutes  when injected into a muscle. The medicine can also be administered by spraying it into a persons nose. Naloxone commonly blocks the effects of opioids for 30 to 90 minutes. Multiple doses may be required, as the duration of action of some opioids is greater than that of naloxone.Administration to opioid-dependent individuals may cause symptoms of opioid withdrawal, including restlessness, agitation, nausea, vomiting, a fast heart rate, and sweating. To prevent this, small doses every few minutes can be given until the desired effect is reached. In those with previous heart disease or taking medications that negatively affect the heart, further heart problems have occurred. It appears to be safe in pregnancy, after having been given to a limited number of women. Naloxone is a non-selective and competitive opioid receptor antagonist. It works by reversing the depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system caused by opioids. Naloxone generally has no effect on those not using opioids, has no abuse potential, and is recommended by the World Health Organization for distribution to anyone likely to encounter a fatal opioid overdose, including emergency personnel and friends and family members of those using opioids.