How to Use Narcan® Nasal Spray
Call 911
NARCAN® is not a substitute for Emergency Medical Care in an overdose.
What is Narcan®Nasal Spray?
Narcan® Nasal Spray, when used in conjunction with emergency medical care, can help restore breathing to a person experiencing an Opioid-induced overdose.
If someone you know takes opioids or prescription opioids, be prepared for possible live-threatening opioid overdose emergency by having Narcan™ rescue kit nearby.
-
Narcan® is a Naloxone nasal spray. It can help in a possible life-threatening opioid overdose emergency.
-
Narcan® is an "opioid antagonist".
-
Narcan® can quickly restore normal breathing to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose.
-
Narcan® is needle-free and designed for ease of use.
-
Narcan® requires no assembly or specialized training. Inhalation is not required.
How to recognize an Opioid Overdose:
Signs of an overdose, which often results in death if not treated, include:
-
Unconsciousness or inability to awaken.
-
Slow or shallow breathing or breathing difficulty such as choking sounds or a gurgling/snoring noise from a person who cannot be awakened.
-
Fingernails or lips turning blue/purple. If an opioid overdose is suspected, stimulate the person:
-
Call the person’s name.
-
If this doesn’t work, vigorously grind knuckles into the sternum (the breastbone in middle of chest) or rub knuckles on the person’s upper lip.
-
If the person responds, assess whether he or she can maintain responsiveness and breathing.
-
Continue to monitor the person, including breathing and alertness, and try to keep the person awake
and alert.
-
If the person does not respond, call 911, provide rescue breathing if the person is not breathing on their own, and administer one dose of naloxone.