Rapid systemic uptake of naloxone after intranasal administration in children

Abstract

Naloxone has a high affinity for the µ‐opioid receptor and acts as a competitive antagonist, thus reversing the effects of opioids. Naloxone is often administrated intravenously, but there is a growing interest in the intranasal route in treating patients with opioid overdose, and in reversing effects after therapeutic use of opioids. As administration is painless and no intravenous access is needed, the intranasal route is especially useful in children.