Description: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist medication used for emergency treatment to reverse the life-threatening effects of an opioid (narcotic) overdose. It comes in various forms, including injectable solutions and nasal sprays.

Indication: It is indicated for the complete or partial reversal of opioid-induced depression, particularly respiratory depression. This includes overdoses from natural and synthetic opioids. It can also be used in newborns to reverse the effects of opioids received by the mother during labor and delivery.

Mechanism of Action: Naloxone is a competitive opioid receptor antagonist. It works by having a high affinity for opioid receptors in the central nervous system, particularly the mu-opioid receptor. By binding to these receptors, it displaces and blocks the effects of other opioids that have already attached, thus reversing dangerous symptoms like respiratory depression. Because its duration of action is shorter than many opioids, repeated doses may be necessary.