Using a naloxone injection

The naloxone injection comes in a box with:

• a syringe filled with 5 doses of naloxone - each dose is 0.4mg
• 2 needles

The brand name is Prenoxad. It is also called intramuscular naloxone.

Before you use naloxone

In an emergency situation:

1. Check that the area around the person is safe. Avoid harmful objects such as needles or broken glass.
2. Check if the person responds to sound or touch.
3. If the person does not respond, call 112 or 999. Tell the responder you suspect an opioid overdose.
4. Gently tilt the person's head back and lower their chin. This opens their airway.
5. Check if the person is breathing.
6. Move the person to the floor.

Find out more about the recovery position and chest compressions in our guide on overdose and drug emergencies.

Using naloxone if the person is not breathing

If the person is not breathing:

1. Do 30 chest compressions.
2. Give 1 dose of naloxone.
3. Do 100 chest compressions.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the person starts breathing or help arrives.

Doing chest compressions with rescue breaths

You can do chest compressions with rescue breaths if you feel comfortable. You can use a face mask if one is available.

To give a rescue breath:

1. Gently tilt back the person's head and lift their chin.
2. Pinch the person's nose.
3. Seal your mouth over their mouth and blow into their mouth for about 1 second. Check that their chest rises.

You give the naloxone in cycles after the rescue breaths:

1. Do 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths.
2. Give 1 dose of naloxone.
3. Do 3 cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the person starts breathing or help arrives.

Using naloxone if the person is breathing

If the person is breathing:

1. Put them on their side or in the recovery position.
2. Give 1 dose of naloxone.
3. Wait 2 to 3 minutes and give another dose of naloxone.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the person responds or help arrives.

If the person stops breathing, start chest compressions.

Preparing the injection

To prepare the injection:

1. Twist the box to open it.
2. Open the needle pack. Leave the protective cover on the needle.
3. Unscrew the lid from the syringe.
4. Screw the needle into the syringe.

Remove the protective cover from the needle.

Giving the injection

You can give the injection through the person's clothes. But avoid seams or pockets of fabric.

To give the injection:

1. Hold the syringe like you would hold a pen.
2. Push the needle into the outer thigh.
3. Press the syringe plunger until it moves to the line that marks 1 dose.
4. Remove the needle from the thigh.

Put the injection back in the box. Keep the box near you in case you need to give another dose.

After you use naloxone

It is important to accept medical help after using naloxone. Your wellbeing is the main priority.