Naloxone is a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. 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, oxycodone and fentanyl.
Naloxone can be given by intranasal spray (into the nose), intramuscular (into the muscle), subcutaneous (under the skin), or intravenous injection. The most common type in Oklahoma is the intranasal spray, Narcan®.
Naloxone rapidly neutralizes the effects of an opioid overdose and can return regular breathing to the individual within 2 to 3 minutes. It’s important to note that it may take multiple doses of naloxone to restore breathing. You only need to wait one minute before administering an additional dose. You should switch the nostril you use for each dose
Anyone who has opioids in their home should also have naloxone. Fentanyl is a rising concern for accidental overdose deaths. The synthetic opioid is being mixed with counterfeit pills and substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and more. That’s why anyone who uses substances, or knows someone who does, should also have naloxone.
A person who is experiencing an overdose can’t administer naloxone to themselves. Anyone can carry naloxone, give it to someone experiencing an overdose, and potentially save a life. That’s why everyone should consider having naloxone.
In nearly 40% of overdose deaths, someone else was present. With naloxone, bystanders can help prevent fatal overdoses and save lives.
CDC
Identify Opioid Overdose & Call for Emergency Medical Help
Check for signs of an opioid overdose:
Call 911 or ask someone to call for you.
Lay the person on their back.
Give NARCAN™ Nasal Spray
Remove device from packaging.
Do not test the device. There is only one dose per device.
Tilt the person’s head back and provide support under their neck with your hand.
Hold the device with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger. Put your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril. Your fingers should be right up against the nose. If giving to a child, make sure the nozzle seals the nostril.
Press the plunger firmly with your thumb to give the dose.
Remove the device from the nostril.
Watch and Support
Move the person on their side (recovery position) Watch them closely.
Give a second dose after 2 to 3 minutes if the person has not woken up or their breathing is not improved. Switch nostrils with each dose.
You can give a dose every 2 to 3 minutes, if more are available and are needed.
Perform CPR if you know how until emergency medical help arrives, if it is needed.
The 911 Good Samaritan Law (called “Good Sam”) protects you from drug possession charges if you call 911 or seek medical help for yourself or someone else who is overdosing.
Protect you from being charged with possession of drugs if you are trying to get medical help for yourself or someone else who is overdosing
Protect you from being charged with possession of drugs if you carry and administer naloxone (NARCAN®)
Naloxone wears off. A person who has overdosed may experience symptoms again. Seek emergency care.
