Which medication is frequently prescribed to manage opioid overdose?

Naloxone is frequently prescribed to manage opioid overdose because it is an opioid antagonist, meaning it specifically binds to opioid receptors and reverses the effects of opioids in the body. When administered during an overdose, naloxone can rapidly restore normal breathing and consciousness by displacing opioids from the receptors. Its effectiveness in counteracting respiratory depression, which is a critical danger during an overdose, makes it a crucial medication in emergency situations.

In contrast, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and fentanyl are all opioids themselves, used primarily for pain management. These medications can actually exacerbate the situation in an overdose scenario, leading to increased respiratory depression, making them unsuitable for treating an overdose.

Naloxone is often made available to the public and first responders, and training on its use has become a key component of harm reduction strategies to address the opioid crisis effectively.