What is Naloxone/Narcan
About Naloxone
Naloxone is a safe and effective FDA approved medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses. It is an opioid antagonist—meaning that it binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids, such as heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. It should be administered when a patient is showing signs of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is a temporary treatment and its effects do not last long. Sometimes, multiple doses may be necessary.
How to use or administer Naloxone/Narcan:
- Remove the nasal spray from the box. Peel back the tab with the circle to open it.
- Do not prime or test the nasal spray. It contains a single dose of naloxone and cannot be reused.
- Hold the nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
- Lay the patient on their back. Support the patient's neck by your hand and allow the head to tilt back before giving this medicine.
- Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril of the patient, until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the patient's nose.
- Press the plunger firmly to give the dose. Remove the nasal spray from the patient's nostril after giving the dose.
- Move the patient on their side (recovery position) after giving the medicine and get emergency medical help right away.
- Watch the patient closely. You may also give additional doses to the patient every 2 to 3 minutes until the patient responds or emergency medical assistance becomes available.
How and where to get it – You can use the National Harm Reduction Coalition’s Naloxone Finder or this NEXT Distro locator to access free Narcan near you.
