Naloxone (Narcan) is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. If someone is not actively using or overdosing on opioids, the drug will not have any effect. While Naloxone is extremely useful in overdose situations, it’s important to note that it is not a cure for opioid addiction.
This guide to naloxone highlights the essential nature of this medication in the ongoing U.S. opioid crisis. It also shows you how to connect with compassionate and effective care.
What Is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses. Types of opioids include drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers like oxycodone and morphine.
Naloxone works by quickly binding to opioid receptors in the brain, effectively blocking the opioids and reversing their dangerous effects. It helps restore normal breathing and consciousness in someone who has overdosed. This life-saving medication can be administered by both medical professionals and trained bystanders, making it an invaluable tool in combating the opioid crisis.
What Is Naloxone Used For?
Naloxone is used to treat opioid overdoses. When someone takes too much of an opioid, their breathing can slow down or stop entirely, which can be fatal. Naloxone acts quickly to reverse this process, providing the person with a second chance at life.
Naloxone is not effective against overdoses from non-opioid substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, xylazine, or stimulants. The medication is used by emergency responders, medical professionals, and even family members or friends of people at risk of opioid overdose. Many police officers and firefighters carry the medication as part of their standard equipment.
How Is Naloxone Administered?
Naloxone can be administered in several ways, each designed to be as effective and user-friendly as possible:
- Nasal spray (Narcan): This is the most commonly used form of naloxone. The nasal spray is easy to use and requires no special training. To administer, the person giving the spray tilts the overdosed individual’s head back, inserts the tip of the nozzle into one nostril, and presses the plunger firmly to release the medication.
- Injection: Naloxone can be injected into a muscle (intramuscular), under the skin (subcutaneous), or directly into a vein (intravenous). This method is normally used by medical professionals. For intramuscular and subcutaneous injections, naloxone is usually administered into the thigh muscle.
- Auto-injector (Evzio): This device is similar to an EpiPen and is designed to be user-friendly. The auto-injector provides voice instructions to guide the person through the injection process. The device is pressed against the outer thigh, where it automatically delivers the correct dose of naloxone.
How to Safely Administer Naloxone?
Administering naloxone correctly and quickly can save a life. Here are the steps to follow.
Recognize the signs of an overdose
Common signs of overdose include slow and irregular breathing, pinpoint pupils, blue or purplish lips and fingernails, unresponsiveness, and a limp body. The person may also make gurgling sounds or have clammy skin.
Call for emergency help
Immediately dial 911 for professional medical assistance. Explain that you suspect an opioid overdose and give the location.
Administer naloxone
How you administer naloxone depends on the type of medication:
- Nasal spray (Narcan): Tilt the person’s head back, insert the nozzle into one nostril, and press the plunger firmly. If the person does not respond within 2 to 3 minutes, administer a second dose in the other nostril.
- Injection: If using a prefilled syringe, inject naloxone into the muscle of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. If using an auto-injector, follow the voice instructions provided by the device.
Provide rescue breathing or CPR
If the person is not breathing or has a weak pulse, begin rescue breathing or CPR if you are trained. Rescue breathing involves giving one breath every 5 seconds. Continue until the person resumes normal breathing or emergency help arrives.
Monitor the person
Stay with the person until professional help arrives. After receiving naloxone, the person might wake up feeling confused, agitated, or even combative. Reassure them and keep them calm. If the person does not respond or stops breathing again, administer another dose of naloxone every 2 to 3 minutes until help arrives.
Follow-up care
Even if the person seems to recover after receiving naloxone, it’s essential that they receive professional medical attention. The effects of naloxone can wear off, and the person might slip back into an overdose state if the opioids are still in their system.
Naloxone is a powerful tool in the fight against opioid overdoses. By understanding how to recognize an overdose and administer naloxone properly, you can help save lives and provide critical time for professional medical care to arrive.
Naloxone | FAQS
What is naloxone for?
The medication is used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.
How do I know if someone needs naloxone?
If someone is unresponsive, has slow or no breathing, or shows blue lips or fingernails, they might need naloxone. These are signs of an opioid overdose.
What are the different names for naloxone?
Naloxone is also known by the brand names Narcan and Evzio.
How does naloxone help those who have overdosed?
Naloxone quickly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose by blocking the opioids in the brain. This helps restore normal breathing and consciousness.
Get Life-Saving Opioid Addiction Treatment at Ohio Recovery Centers
If you or someone you care about needs help dealing with opioid addiction, we treat all types of addictions and mental health conditions at our rehab center in Cincinnati, OH.
Opioid withdrawal can be dangerous without supervision. Our medical detox program makes the process safer and easier, preparing you for ongoing treatment at Ohio Recovery Centers. Our outpatient and intensive outpatient programs allow you to continue at home, work, or school while attending therapy sessions at our Cincinnati facility.
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Call our recovery specialists at 877-679-2132.
