Record Status This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database. Citation NIHR HSRIC. Naloxone single dose nasal spray for opioid overdose. Birmingham: NIHR Horizon Scanning Research&Intelligence Centre. Horizon Scanning Review. 2016 Authors' conclusions Opioids are a type of drug that are used to treat pain but they may also be misused as they are highly addictive and lead to temporary feelings of intense pleasure. Addiction to opioids can develop very quickly, even when taken in small amounts. Treatment for opioid addiction can involve addicts being given carefully prescribed alternative drugs to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. People who take opioids are at risk of overdose, which can lead to death. Symptoms of opioid overdose include drowsiness, muscle spasms and slow, shallow breathing.
Naloxone hydrochloride single dose nasal spray is a new drug for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose that is given as a nasal spray. At the moment, naloxone usually has to be injected by a health professional. If naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray is licensed for use in the UK, it could be a new treatment option for patients with opioid overdose that may be more convenient than current treatments. Indexing Status Subject indexing assigned by CRD MeSH Analgesics, Opioid; Drug Overdose; Humans; Naloxone; Nasal Sprays Language Published English Country of organisation England English summary An English language summary is available. Address for correspondence NIHR Horizon Scanning Research&Intelligence Centre, University of Birmingham, Institute of Applied Health Research, Public Health building, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT
Tel: 0121 414 9077 Email: nihrhsc@contacts.bham.ac.uk AccessionNumber 32016000684 Date abstract record published 25/05/2016 |