Community members in Pensacola, FL, stepped up to the plate and received training on how to administer the life-saving drug Kloxxado to reverse opioid overdoses. The training was hosted by Five Flags Rotary, a local club which serves the community of Pensacola and provides outreach efforts. Among the trainers were former paramedics who gave valuable insight into the drug Kloxxado, and more importantly, how it plays a role in reversing deadly opioid overdoses in a shorter time than its counterpart, Narcan.

Kloxxado Vs. Narcan

Many people might not have heard of Kloxxado, as it was only just approved to treat opioid overdoses by the FDA in 2021. The FDA's 2021 Kloxxado approval states that Kloxxado is both safe and effective, just as safe as effective as Narcan.

However, Kloxxado's most critical difference is that it contains 8mg of naloxone, while Narcan contains only 4mg. Naloxone is the active ingredient in both drugs that counteracts opioid overdoses. The higher dosage of Kloxxado allows it to work more quickly and efficiently, reducing the risk of death from an overdose.

Time Matters

During the training at Five Flags Rotary, trainer and former California Paramedic Larry Kenemore stated just how crucial it is to administer aid as soon as possible. He said, "Majority of drug users that have overdosed all have brain damage because it was so many minutes of lack of oxygen to the brain."

Cerebral Hypoxia, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is the result of lack of Oxygen to the brain and can result in death if not treated promptly.  In fact, it takes as little as four minutes for irreversible damage to occur. Since Kloxxado has twice the strength of Narcan, it takes less time for an overdose victim to receive enough Naloxone to reverse the effects of opioids.

The Importance of Opioid Overdose Reversal Training

The training provided by organizations such as Five Flags Rotary is crucial in saving lives. With the rise of opioid overdoses, it's essential to know how to administer aid properly and safely. Being able to recognize the signs of an overdose and quickly administering naloxone can be the difference between life and death.

Some of the signs of overdose to look for include:

If you notice any of these signs in someone who has used opioids, it is important to act quickly and administer naloxone as soon as possible.

How to Administer Kloxxado

Fortunately, administering Kloxxado is as easy as Narcan. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Open the blister packaging that comes in the Kloxxado package. While there are two doses in the package, only one needs to be used at a time.
  2. Hold the device with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first two fingers on either side of the nozzle.
  3. Tilt the person’s head back slightly so their nostrils are pointing towards you.
  4. Insert 1/2 of the nozzle into one nostril and press the plunger firmly to release the dose.
  5. Repeat in the other nostril if necessary after waiting 2-3 minutes.
  6. Make sure to lay the person on their side in case they vomit or have difficulty breathing.
  7. Call for emergency medical assistance immediately after administering Kloxxado.

Kloxxado Complications

There are little to no complications associated with administering Kloxxado. That's because, as an opioid overdose reversal medication, it won't affect people who aren't using opioids. However, because it is stronger than Narcan, its withdrawal effects can be more severe. Common side effects include:

While these side effects are temporary, it is important to monitor the person after administering Kloxxado and seek medical attention if necessary.

Leading a Team of Life-Savers

The recent training in administering  Kloxxado has increased the number of potential life-savers in the Pensacola community. Still, there remains a certain stigma attached to opioid use. It's important to remember that anyone can be affected by an overdose, regardless of their background or circumstances. This is why it's vital to be trained and educated in proper Naloxone use, and to encourage others in your community to do the same.

For those who don't live in Pensacola, you can check with your community to see if there are any programs or resources available for administering Naloxone, and consider organizing a training session for your family and friends. The more people who know how to properly administer Kloxxado and other forms of Naloxone, the more lives can be saved.