Naloxone (By injection)
Naloxone (nal-OX-one)
Treats opioid overdose in an emergency situation. Must be given as soon as possible.
Brand Name(s):
Zimhi
There may be other brand names for this medicine.When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to naloxone.How to Use This Medicine:
Injectable
- A home health caregiver or a family member will give you or your child this medicine. It may be given through an IV catheter that is placed into one of your veins, as a shot under your skin, or as a shot into a muscle.
- This medicine comes with patient instructions and a training device. You, your home health caregiver, and family members should read the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
- Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy, discolored, or has large particles in it.
- Evzio® is available in 2 dosage strengths: 0.4 milligram (mg)/0.4 milliliter (mL) autoinjector or 2 mg/0.4 mL autoinjector. Zimhi is available in 5 mg/0.5 mL prefilled syringe.
- This medicine can only be used one time. Do not remove the safety guard until you are ready to use it.
- To use:
- Inject the medicine into the outer thigh, through clothing, if needed. If you are giving this medicine to a child younger than 1 year of age, pinch the thigh while you give the medicine.
- After you give the first dose to the patient, get emergency medical help right away.
- Watch the patient closely. If needed, you may give more doses every 2 to 3 minutes until the patient responds.
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or heart or blood vessel disease.
- This medicine should be given right away after a suspected or known overdose of an opioid medicine. This will help prevent serious breathing problems and severe sleepiness that can lead to death.
- The effects of the opioid medicine may last longer than the effects of the naloxone. This means the breathing problems and sleepiness could come back. Always call for emergency help after the first dose of naloxone.
- This medicine could cause withdrawal symptoms from the opioid medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Crying more than the usual (in babies)
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps
- Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing
- Fever, runny nose, sneezing, sweating, yawning, goosebumps
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
- Seizures, tremors, weakness, feeling restless, nervous, or irritable
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Last Updated: 9/6/2024
