Naloxone is a medicine that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose—and it can save lives. If you or someone you know uses opioids (like heroin or methadone), carrying Naloxone could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.
What Is Naloxone?
Naloxone (brand name: Prenoxad (injectable) or Nyxoid (nasal) in the UK) is an emergency medication that blocks the effects of opioids in the body. It works quickly to help someone start breathing again after an overdose.
⚠️ It only works with opioids. It won’t help with non-opioid drugs.
How and When to Use It
If you think someone has overdosed on opioids, always:
- Call 999 immediately and explain what’s happened.
- Use Naloxone if you have it.
- Watch their breathing and be ready to give more doses or CPR if needed.
Signs of an Opioid Overdose:
- Unresponsive or unconscious
- Shallow or stopped breathing
- Snoring or gurgling sounds
- Blue lips or fingertips
- Pinpoint pupils
- Pale or grey skin
If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position and keep their airways open.
How Long Does Naloxone Take to Work?
- Takes effect in 2–5 minutes
- Lasts 20–40 minutes
- You can give additional doses every 2–3 minutes if needed
- Always wait for an ambulance to arrive—Naloxone can wear off before the opioids are out of their system
What If My Naloxone Is Out of Date?
If it’s expired, get a new kit. But if you’re in an emergency and the expired kit is all you have—use it. It may still work enough to save a life.
What Are the Side Effects?
Some people may experience:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shaking or sweating
- Fast heart rate or changes in blood pressure
- Over-breathing or fits (in rare cases)
These effects are temporary and much less serious than an untreated overdose.
How to Use injectable Naloxone (Prenoxad Kit)
Each kit contains one syringe and two needles. Here’s a quick step-by-step:
- Open the kit – Tear open the packaging and twist off the plastic seals.
- Attach a needle – Screw one of the needles onto the syringe.
- Inject 0.4ml – Insert the needle into the outer thigh or upper arm (through clothing if needed) and inject to the first black line on the syringe.
- Wait up to 5 minutes – If there’s no response, give another 0.4ml dose.
Once the person is breathing and awake, place them in the recovery position and wait for paramedics to arrive.
Where Can I Get Naloxone?
We provide free Naloxone kits and training to anyone who may need it—including friends, family members, and professionals.
📍 Birkenhead Hub
84 Market Street, CH41 6HB
📍 Wallasey Hub
151 Brighton Street, CH44 8DY
We also supply kits to all hostels across Wirral.
We offer free Naloxone training. Visit our training page for more details.