The opioid epidemic continues to pose a significant threat to public health. Naloxone, a potent opioid antagonist, has proven to be a crucial tool in reversing opioid overdoses. Efforts to increase access to overdose reversal agents, initially given by injection in hospitals and emergency environments, resulted in the development of intranasal (IN) forms of naloxone, and more recently, nalmefene. This rapid review examines the currently available IN overdose reversal agents in the United States, focusing on their dosing, efficacy, and prescription status.We conducted a comprehensive search of the FDA Electronic Drug and Listing System (eDRLS) to identify all approved naloxone and nalmefene formulations in 2024. The search yielded nine available overdose reversal agents, including generic formulations of naloxone available over the counter and accessible to the public. Additionally, newer agents, such as nalmefene, offer longer-acting effects and may provide additional benefits in certain overdose scenarios.As the opioid crisis evolves, it is essential to stay informed about the latest advancements in formulations of reversal agents. By understanding the characteristics and availability status of available agents, health care providers, public health officials, and individuals can make informed decisions about the most appropriate overdose treatment strategies.
Keywords: Chronic pain; Emergency department; Opioids; Pain; Policy issues.
The opioid crisis still causes too many deaths every year. Naloxone is a medicine that has strong opposing effects to opioids if someone takes too much and overdoses. A lot of work has been done to make it easier to get and use medicine to treat an overdose. It is now easier to use forms of the medicine naloxone and nalmefene. This paper compares available types of the reversal medicines in the United States that people can give into someone’s nose, specifically the dose, effectiveness, and prescription status.We did a thorough online search to find all approved naloxone and nalmefene medicine forms in 2024. The search gave us nine available specific medicine types that can undo an opioid overdose. Newer medicines may also last longer and be better in certain overdose situations.The opioid crisis is still as serious as ever and it is important to know the latest advancements. By understanding the features and availability of these medications, doctors and other health care providers, public health officials, and everyone can make educated choices about the best overdose treatment strategies.