Narcan Nasal Spray

The active ingredient in Narcan Nasal Spray is naloxone hydrochloride. When opioids bind to receptors in the brain and nervous system, they can reduce pain, but opioids binding to too many receptors can lead to overdose and difficulty breathing. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist; it blocks opioid receptors to prevent binding of opioids. This temporarily reverses the effects of opioids to prevent death from overdose.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Narcan Nasal Spray. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Narcan Nasal Spray:

-If you recognize signs of a suspected opioid overdose, call 911 for emergency medical help right away. Signs of an opioid overdose include pinpoint pupils, trouble breathing or not breathing, slow or no heart rate, extreme drowsiness, passing out, or being unable to be woken up by touch, shaking, or shouting, and pale and clammy skin.

-Remove the naloxone nasal spray device from the packaging.

-Lay the person on their back and tilt their head back.

-Insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril.

-Press the plunger firmly and all the way.

-Move the person to their side, to the recovery position.

-Perform CPR if you know how.

-A single dose may not be enough to reverse the overdose. You can give additional doses of naloxone 2-3 minutes after the first dose. Each Narcan Nasal Spray device contains a single dose; you will need to use a new device for each dose. You should alternate nostrils for each dose.

-Always wait with the person for first responders to arrive.

The most common side effects of Narcan seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include swelling or dryness in the nose, congested or runny nose, yawning, nervousness, aggressive behaviors, irritability, restlessness, agitation, body aches and pain, increased blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, shivering, chills, shaking, dizziness and headaches. Side effects may be more severe in opioid-dependent people.

You should always seek emergency medical assistance if you administer Naloxone.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Narcan Nasal Spray. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

-Before administering Narcan Nasal Spray, call 911 for emergency medical help.

-Stay with the person who receives Narcan Nasal Spray. You may need to administer more doses.

-Pay special attention when administering Narcan Nasal Spray to newborns or pregnant women. Some adverse reactions can be life-threatening for a newborn or fetus.

Narcan Nasal Spray is indicated for the emergency treatment of opioid overdoses. Narcan is not indicated for overdose with benzodiazepines, barbiturates, cocaine, amphetamines, alcohol, or anesthetics. However, if you are unsure if someone is experiencing an overdose from these substances or opioids, the benefits of administering Narcan usually outweigh the risks.

A person should respond within 2-3 minutes of naloxone administration.

When Narcan Nasal Spray is given with other prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Naloxone will reverse the effects of all opioids, no matter the intended use. It should not be used for opioid use that has not caused overdose, as it may precipitate opioid withdrawal. Interactions between naloxone and food or supplements have not been established.

Narcan Nasal Spray is available in formulations that contain 4mg of naloxone HCl.

Narcan Nasal Spray can be stored at room temperature.

Narcan Nasal Spray is manufactured by Emergent Biosolutions Canada Inc.

Narcan is the brand name for naloxone nasal spray. Generic versions are available. Ask your pharmacist about procuring generic versions of naloxone OTC.

The duration of the effects of opioids is longer than that of naloxone. For this reason, people can fall back into opioid overdose after the first dose of Narcan Nasal Spray. Remain with the person and continue to administer Narcan doses every 2-3 minutes if necessary, until first responders arrive. A healthcare professional will determine when it is appropriate to stop using Narcan.

Opioid overdoses are life-threatening. The benefits of reversing an overdose in pregnancy outweigh the risks. However, Narcan should only be used when people show signs of overdose.

Opioid overdoses are life-threatening. The benefits of reversing an overdose in people who are breastfeeding outweigh the risks. However, Narcan should only be used when people show signs of overdose.