Final answer:
Naloxone is an emergency treatment for opioid overdose that acts as an opiate antagonist. It quickly reverses the effects of opioids, restores normal breathing, and prevents respiratory depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Naloxone is an emergency treatment for opioid overdose. When administered, it acts as an opiate antagonist, rapidly reversing the effects of opioids. It helps to restore normal breathing and prevents respiratory depression in individuals who have overdosed on opioids.
The effects of naloxone are quick-acting, typically occurring within a few minutes after administration. It is often administered through injection, such as the intranasal route, to counteract the respiratory depression caused by opioids. The duration of naloxone's effects is relatively short, typically lasting around 30 to 90 minutes.