Naloxone is administered by which route when intravenous access is not available?

• A. Intravenous
• B. Intramuscular
• C. Intranasal
• D. Subcutaneous

Answer: (C)

When intravenous access isn’t available, delivering naloxone intranasally provides the fastest, easiest way to get the drug into the bloodstream without needles. The nasal mucosa has rich blood flow, so the medication is absorbed quickly and can reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression promptly. This route is especially practical in prehospital settings or with bystanders, since it requires no IV line, reduces the risk of needle-stick injury, and can be administered with a simple spray device. Remember that naloxone is a competitive opioid receptor antagonist, so it displaces opioid molecules at the receptor and restores respiration. Because the opioid once there may outlast the naloxone dose, monitoring the patient and repeating dosing if needed are important steps after administration.