IU Frankfort Hospital this week installed a naloxone dispenser in the Emergency Department Vestibule. The dispenser is on the left side of the front sliding door and entry into the building is not necessary. Naloxone at this location is available at no charge.
Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. Naloxone is also called an “Opioid Antagonist”.
Naloxone will quickly attach to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids and can quickly restore normal breathing.
Signs of an opioid overdose include:
- Unconsciousness
- Very Small Pupils
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Vomiting
- Inability to speak
- Faint Heartbeat
- Limp Arms and legs
- Pale Skin
- Purple lips and fingernails
The dosing is done via Nasal Spray.
Information for this article contributed by Alexandra Darbro and Michele Tansey. Dispenser is made available by the IU Health Positive Link and Overdose Lifeline.