In what situation is naloxone generally indicated?

Naloxone is specifically indicated in cases of suspected opioid overdose. Opioids, which include substances such as morphine, heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl, can cause respiratory depression, sedation, and potentially fatal outcomes when taken in excessive amounts. Naloxone works as an opioid antagonist, meaning it can rapidly reverse the effects of opioids by displacing them from their receptors in the brain, thereby restoring normal breathing and consciousness when administered promptly.

In contrast, severe headache, loose bowel movements, and severe allergic reactions do not warrant the use of naloxone. These conditions stem from entirely different medical issues and require different forms of intervention. For example, a severe headache may need pain relief or specific treatments based on the underlying cause, while an allergic reaction often requires antihistamines or epinephrine, depending on severity.