Naloxone: OTC and Beyond

Is naloxone everywhere and nowhere at the same time? Recent FDA approvals have enabled the distribution of naloxone products via the over-the-counter (OTC) supply chain, while still being available in multiple formulations via prescription. Is enabling OTC sales of naloxone the panacea of “ending the opioid crisis” as we know it? Let’s slow down a bit and mitigate the hysteria and confusion beyond the relatively straight-forward administration of naloxone products. This program will review the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose, the FDA-approved OTC and prescription opioid overdose respiratory depression reversal products, the opioid overdose respiratory depression reversal medication administration guidelines, and general important pharmacological characteristics of the mu-opioid antagonist naloxone. Naloxone saves lives by reversing opioid overdose respiratory depression, let’s respect its pharmacology, address its realities, and go save some lives!