Learn how Kloxxado® (naloxone HCl) 8 mg Nasal Spray can reverse an opioid overdose

An opioid overdose occurs when a person takes too much of an opioid, either a prescription or illicitly manufactured, and it overwhelms the brain, interrupting the body’s natural drive to breathe.1 Taking opioid medications for pain may be medically appropriate if taken as indicated, and as prescribed by your physician for the duration specified by your physician.2  But what if a medication error occurs and someone accidentally takes more of the medication than recommended, or takes medicine that is not theirs?3 This can lead to an accidental overdose, which is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S.4

Recognizing an accidental overdose

During an opioid overdose, the person’s ability to breathe may decline drastically or suddenly stop. This will prevent oxygen from reaching the brain, which in turn may lead to brain damage and even death. Check for the following signs of an opioid overdose so you can act fast:5,6

  • Person will not wake up and does not respond to your voice or touch
  • Breathing is very slow, shallow, or has stopped
  • Center of the colored part of the eye is very small, also known as “pinpoint pupils”

Using Kloxxado,® an overdose reversal drug

Kloxxado® is an 8 mg naloxone nasal spray that can be used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.7 Once administered, it works in the brain, only at the opioid receptor, to reverse the effects of the opioid causing the overdose.5,7 When a life-threatening opioid overdose happens, or you suspect one has happened, administer Kloxxado® – it’s just four simple steps as outlined below. Don’t forget, call 911, Kloxxado® nasal spray is not a substitute for emergency medical care.7 Below are the four steps:7

How to administer an overdose reversal drug such as Kloxxado®

REMOVE

REMOVE Kloxxado® nasal spray from the box. PEEL off the back tab with the triangle (see picture) to open the Kloxxado® nasal spray blister.

HOLD

HOLD it with your thumb on the bottom and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.

INSERT

INSERT the tip of the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers are against the bottom of the person’s nose.

PRESS

PRESS the plunger firmly to give the dose of Kloxxado® nasal spray.

Here is how to avoid some potential mistakes when administering a unit-dose nasal spray such as Kloxxado®:7

  • Do not prime or test the device. Kloxxado® is ready to use7
  • Wait 2-3 minutes before giving a second dose, alternating nostrils. The patient may not respond instantly7
  • Use a new device if giving another dose. There is only one 8mg dose per device7
  • Once you administer Kloxxado® turn the person to the side (this is known as the recovery position)7

Read the Kloxxado® quick use instructions now for more details.

After using an overdose reversal drug

A patient who is revived by naloxone may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.6 They may include (but are not limited to), body aches, diarrhea, increased heart rate, fever, runny nose, sneezing, goosebumps, sweating, yawning, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability, shivering or trembling, stomach cramps, weakness, and increased blood pressure.7 Call 911 immediately after giving the first dose of Kloxxado® and make sure to watch the person closely until emergency help is received.7 For a full list of symptoms and precautions please read the Kloxxado® package insert.

Kloxxado® is a registered trademark of Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.

Please see the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Kloxxado® for complete product details.

NOTE: This article was not written by a medical professional and is not intended to substitute for the guidance of a physician. These are not Hikma’s recommendations, but rather facts and data collected from various reliable medical sources. For a full list of resources and their attributing links, see below.

HK-1757-v1-v1.2

References

  1. CDC, “Preventing an Opioid Overdose,” https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/pdf/patients/preventing-an-opioid-overdose-tip-card-a.pdf Accessed on July 18, 2022.
  2. DEA, “Drug Facts,” https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids Accessed on July 18, 2022.
  3. Mayo Clinic, “Consumer health,” https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/medication-errors/art-20048035 Accessed on July 18, 2022.
  4. National Safety Council, “Addressing the Opioid Crisis.” https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/opioids Accessed on July 18, 2022.
  5. FDA, “Having naloxone can save a life during opioid overdose,” https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/having-naloxone-hand-can-save-life-during-opioid-overdose Accessed on July 18, 2022
  6. CDC, “Naloxone factsheet,” https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/naloxone/factsheets/pdf/Naloxone_FactSheet_Family_and_Caregivers_How_and_When_to_use_Naloxone.pdf Accessed on July 18, 2022.
  7. KLOXXADO® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray [prescribing information]. Columbus, OH: Hikma Specialty USA Inc.; 2022.