Medicine

Naloxone

नैलोक्सोन

Medically reviewed by Dr Rishikanth Shukla · 2026-08-04

What it is

Naloxone is a medicine that reverses the effects of opioids, which are drugs that can cause severe respiratory depression or overdose. It requires a prescription in India.

What it is used for

Naloxone is used to treat situations where opioids have caused an overdose or severe respiratory depression, such as after surgery.

Opioid overdosage
Postoperative respiratory depression

How it works

Naloxone works by blocking the effects of opioids in the body. This action helps to relieve dangerous symptoms caused by high levels of opioids in the blood, such as respiratory depression.

How it is sold in India

In India Naloxone comes as injection and tablets.

Common side effects

Most people experience mild side effects when taking naloxone. These can include nausea, vomiting, sweating, pain or redness at the injection site, hot flashes, or flushing. Serious reactions are rare.

See a doctor straight away if

Our sources do not cover this.

Who should not take it

Our sources do not cover this.

Questions people ask

Is it safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Consult your doctor before using naloxone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can I take it with my other medicines?

Consult your doctor before taking naloxone with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants.

What happens if I take too much?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects or overdose symptoms.

Brand names

6 medicines sold in India contain Naloxone.

Brands sold in India include Narcotan, Nex, Nalox. Whichever name is on the strip, the medicine inside is the one described on this page.

Where this comes from

We do not publish doses. How much to take depends on your age, weight and other conditions — ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This page is general information, not medical advice, and it is not a substitute for seeing a doctor. It carries no dosage and no prices.