What Are Common Administration Routes for Naloxone?

Naloxone®, typically famous as the brand name of Narcan, is a critical medication that can potentially save lives in the fight against opioid addiction. While the nasal spray form of Naloxone® has gained significant attention, did you know several other administration routes are available for this medication? In this article, we will answer what are common administration routes for Naloxone, as well as who can administer it in different settings. By the end of this piece, you will have a comprehensive understanding of Naloxone® and may be convinced to consider Naloxone® as a potential treatment for combating opioid overdose.

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What Are Common Administration Routes for Naloxone: How to Use Naloxone®

Naloxone® is an opioid antagonist whose primary function is to reverse overdoses. For those exploring what are common administration routes for Naloxone®, here is the answer. Essentially, there are five routes for administering Naloxone®:

• Intranasally
• Intravenously (IV)
• Intramuscularly
• Subcutaneously
• Orally

a. Intranasal Administration

The most common and handy way of administering Naloxone® is through the nasal pathway. Any layperson or novice can easily administer this. It is available as a spray, and its active ingredient, i.e., Naloxone®, aims to hinder the effect of opioids. When opioids first enter your body, they can cause respiratory depression. Naloxone® brings the breathing rate back to normal if it has slowed or is on the brink of stopping.

Intranasal Naloxone® Administration Protocol

Here is a step-by-step procedure of how to use Naloxone® spray if you see observe signs of overdose:

Note: Call for medical expertise right away and follow the given procedure instantly

Step 1: Unseal or unpack the nasal spray

Step 2: Put your thumb over the plunger and two fingers near the nozzle

Step 3: Provide support to the person’s head

Step 4: Carefully place the nozzle into either of the nostrils.

Step 5: Push down on the plunger to release the liquid inside.

Step 6: Once Naloxone® has been discharged, take the spray out

Step 7: Since Naloxone® takes a few minutes, wait for two minutes

Step 8: If the person remains unconscious, repeat the procedure

Remembering that Naloxone® is not a replacement for proper care is imperative. It should be ensured that medical help comes when Naloxone® is being administered. 

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b. Intramuscular Administration

One of the common Naloxone® administration routes is intramuscular administration. Usually, Naloxone® injections are given by a healthcare provider. However, a bystander or a family member can also keep Naloxone® HCL injection. 

It is usually administered in the following muscular areas:

• Thigh 
• Shoulder

Apart from the spray, Naloxone® comes in a vial. Like other injectables, it is injected in a syringe and administered under the skin or into the muscles. It comes with certain instructions and requires training. However, if you see someone overdosing, try to inject the solution anyway.

Intramuscular Naloxone® Administration Protocol

Wondering how to use Naloxone® injection? Below is the stepwise procedure of how Naloxone® injection can be administered in the muscles:

Step 1: Take the syringe and pass it through the plastic needle stopper

Step 2: Take the plunger and fetch the solution from the vial into the syringe

Step 3: Insert the needle inside the muscle
Step 4: Press the plunger to discharge the liquid. You can do this over clothing as well.

Step 5: Repeat the process with another dose if the subject does not respond within 3 minutes.

Call 911 instantly. Be sure to wait at most five more minutes for the revival of consciousness of a person. 

Save your loved one from an opioid overdose. Contact us now by calling at 844.445.2565 or filling out this form. 

c. Subcutaneous Naloxone® Administration

Subcutaneous administration means injecting medications under the skin. This route of administration is also used mainly by healthcare professionals.

For subcutaneous administration, a person can be given Naloxone® in the following areas:

• Upper arm
• Shoulder
• Thigh
• Outer buttocks
• Abdomen (refraining from belly button)

Below is the standard practice of administering medications subcutaneously:

Subcutaneous Naloxone® Administration Protocol

Step 1: Assemble necessary supplies: Naloxone® vial and a syringe.

Step 2: Withdraw Naloxone® from the vial.

Step 3: Clean the injection site with an antiseptic solution.

Step 4: Pinch the skin of the desired area

Step 4: Insert the needle into the skin at a 45-degree angle.

Step 5: Inject the Naloxone® subcutaneously.

Monitor the patient closely for improvement in respiratory status and signs of opioid reversal. Repeat administration with an additional dose of Naloxone® if there is no response within 3-5 minutes.

d. Intravenous Administration (Naloxone® IV)

Did you know that the Naloxone® IV infusion method is also available? Intravenous administration means infusing Naloxone® into the veins. While this can work as rapidly as in a minute or two, it is less common among the masses. However, it is widely used in clinical settings.  

Moreover, Naloxone® IV is necessary when:

• Symptoms of overdose reappear after previous doses of Naloxone®.
• The opioid consumed has a long half-life.
• There is suspicion of a large quantity of opioid consumption.
• IV infusion involves the continuous administration of Naloxone® via a vein.
• IVs are effective when other methods have not worked.
• IV infusion should be administered under close medical supervision, with frequent vital signs and respiratory status monitoring.

Healthcare professionals or people trained to infuse Naloxone® intravenously can perform the procedure. This may be administered in clinical settings only.

The time of overdosing can be highly dangerous for the individual and their family. A safe recovery can prevent things from moving towards overdose. Call us at 844.445.2565 or fill out this form. 

The Benefits of Naloxone for Opioid Use Disorder

Routes for Naloxone®: Oral Administration

Naloxone® can also be administered orally, though it is not a solution to overdose. Instead, Naloxone® is coupled with Buprenorphine®, a partial opioid agonist, and administered sublingually. This Buprenorphine/Naloxone® film is branded under the name of Suboxone®. Suboxone® is a prescription medication for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). It reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms and prevents misuse by blocking the effects of other opioids if they are taken while Suboxone® is in the system. It is a long-acting medication that can be used for both short-term detoxification and long-term maintenance treatment.

Oral Naloxone® Administration Protocol

Step 1: Unpack the Buprenorphine®/Naloxone® sublingual film or pill

Step 2: Place it under the tongue and let it dissolve

Step 3: You can swallow or spit the residue and saliva once dissolved. 

Do not drink water or eat food for at least five minutes after you have taken Suboxone®.

Are you looking for sublingual Naloxone® and Buprenorphine film? We are here to help! You may get an online Suboxone® prescription by calling us at 844.445.2565 or filling out this form. 

Naloxone® Saves Lives, So Does ChoicePoint: Explore Our Holistic Treatments

We at ChoicePoint believe that healthcare should be accessible to everyone. You can use our telehealth services to undergo sublingual Naloxone® and Buprenorphine® treatment. We are available virtually as well. We have good news for those who are concerned about visiting the rehab. If you have searched for “What are common administration routes for Naloxone,” it probably means that you or your loved one suffers from OUD. If so, feel welcome to contact us to achieve long-term sobriety.

Our Offerings

The two main tenets of addiction treatment are medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs and behavioral therapies. We offer both. Whether you are suffering from alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, or stimulant use disorder, ChoicePoint has got your back. 

The medications we implement are all FDA-approved and are as follows:

• Buprenorphine
• Naltrexone®
• Naloxone®
• Suboxone® (Buprenorphine/ Naloxone®)
• Subutex®

The therapeutic interventions our doctors are well-equipped with are:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical-Behavior Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Individual Therapy
• Family Therapy

Programs Available at ChoicePoint

Comprehensive and niche programs are available at our clinic to ensure proper care is introduced to specific populations. Below are the available options:

• Expecting Mothers Addiction Treatment Program
• LGBTQ Addiction Treatment Program
• Veteran Addiction Treatment Program
• Students Addiction Treatment Program
• Detox Addiction Treatment Program
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program

What Are Common Administration Routes for Naloxone: An Overview of Key Considerations

Naloxone® can be a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdose. Administering Naloxone® quickly and appropriately can mean the difference between life and death for someone experiencing an overdose. It is important to stay educated on the various administration routes for Naloxone® as it can help prevent opioid-related deaths and promote public health and safety. 

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