Ensuring Safety with Naloxone Use in Older Adults Living at Home

As the population ages, the importance of managing pain and preventing opioid overdose in older adults becomes increasingly critical. Many seniors require opioid medications for chronic pain, but this also raises concerns about accidental overdoses, which can lead to serious health complications or death. The recent report from the Gerontological Society of America emphasizes the vital role of naloxone, a medication capable of reversing opioid overdoses, in safeguarding older adults and their caregivers.

Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is a life-saving drug that temporarily restores breathing in individuals experiencing an opioid overdose. Healthcare providers should prescribe naloxone alongside opioids to at-risk patients, and it can also be purchased over the counter in many places. Proper storage of opioids is essential—keeping them out of reach of children, pets, and drug-seeking individuals helps minimize accidental ingestion.

In cases where someone appears unconscious and is not breathing normally, immediate administration of naloxone followed by emergency medical evaluation is crucial. The report highlights that sedation and overdose symptoms can be similar, so in uncertain situations, prompt action is necessary. Importantly, naloxone is safe to administer; if there is no overdose, it will not cause harm.

The basic rescue steps are to "lay, spray, and stay," meaning position the person to ensure an open airway, administer naloxone, and remain with them until medical professionals arrive. Time is of the essence in overdose situations; delays can lead to severe brain damage or death due to respiratory failure. Even if naloxone is effective initially, the individual should be evaluated medically because additional doses might be required.

The report underscores that even seniors safely on long-term opioid therapy are at risk of overdose. Therefore, caregivers and family members should be educated on recognizing overdose signs and responding swiftly. Being prepared with a naloxone kit and understanding how to use it can make a significant difference in saving lives.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-naloxone-older-adults-staying-safe.html