Opioid Basics
This class of drugs includes prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
What are opioids?
Breathing that is slow, shallow, or stops completely is a sign of this medical emergency.
What is an opioid overdose?
Naloxone is designed to reverse the effects of this condition.
What is an opioid overdose?
Before giving naloxone, check for these two vital signs.
What are breathing and responsiveness?
In many states, you can get naloxone here without a prescription.
What is a pharmacy?
Opioids primarily affect this part of the body, slowing down its function.
What is the central nervous system?
This color change in lips or fingertips often occurs during an overdose.
What is blue or purple (cyanosis)?
The most common brand name for naloxone nasal spray.
What is Narcan?
The recovery position involves turning a person onto this side of the body.
What is their side (usually left)?
Many communities offer this kind of program to distribute naloxone.
What are harm reduction or needle exchange programs?
The main reason opioids are prescribed in medical settings.
What is to manage pain?
Someone experiencing an overdose may not respond to this type of stimulus.
What is verbal or physical stimulation (like shouting or shaking)?
True or False: Naloxone can be harmful if given to someone not experiencing an opioid overdose.
False
This life-saving technique may be necessary if the person isn't breathing.
What is rescue breathing or CPR?
This U.S. government agency recommends having naloxone available in public spaces.
What is the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)?
Tolerance, dependence, and addiction are examples of this kind of risk with opioid use.
What are long-term use risks or side effects?
This sound, sometimes called a “death rattle,” can be a sign of an opioid overdose.
What is gurgling or choking noises?
After giving naloxone, you should always do this next.
What is call 911 or seek emergency medical help?
Naloxone may wear off in this amount of time, requiring another dose.
What is 30 to 90 minutes?
Naloxone can be administered in these two main ways.
What are nasal spray and injection?
This synthetic opioid is 50–100 times stronger than morphine.
What is fentanyl?
This pupil condition is a telltale sign of opioid overdose.
What are pinpoint pupils?
Naloxone works by binding to these in the brain.
What are opioid receptors?
If there is no response in 2-3 minutes after giving naloxone, do this.
What is give another dose?
This federal act provides protections for individuals carrying naloxone and responding to overdoses.
What is the Good Samaritan Law?