Opioid Crisis: The Use of Opioid Antagonists in Preventing Opioid Overdose-Related Deaths

Course overview

Opioid-related overdose deaths make up three-fourths of all overdose deaths in the United States. In order to reduce the number of deaths, efforts must be made to save patients who overdose on opioids. Naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, is the most effective medication to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available in several formulations to facilitate efficient, timely administration. Increasing access to naloxone, so it is readily available when needed, is vital to combating the opioid crisis.