Nasal Administration of Naloxone Is as Effective as the Intravenous Route in Opiate Addicts

Naloxone is used intravenously in opiate addiction in emergency cases, in rapid opiate detoxification, and as a diagnostic tool. This is a study comparing the efficacy of intranasal naloxone to other routes (intravenous/intramuscular) in 17 opiate-dependent patients. The nasal drug administration of naloxone was found to be as effective as the intravenous route. The nasal drug application offers a wide margin of safety for patients and medical staff, especially in emergency situations in regard to infection risks associated with vessel puncture.