Narcan Nasal Spray
Generic name:naloxone (nasal) [ na-LOX-one ]
Drug class:Antidotes
What is Narcan?
Narcan nasal spray contains naloxone hydrochloride. Naloxone blocks or reverses the effects of opioid medication, including extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, or loss of consciousness. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.
Narcan nasal spray is used in an emergency situation to treat a possible opioid overdose in an adult or child.
Narcan should not be used in place of emergency medical care for an overdose.
Warnings
Narcan is used to treat a possible opioid overdose. An opioid overdose can be fatal, and symptoms may include severe drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, slow breathing, or no breathing.
A person caring for you can give the Narcan if you stop breathing or don't wake up. Make sure any person caring for you knows where you keep this medicine and how to use it.
You must get emergency help after giving Narcan spray. You may need to give another spray every 2 to 3 minutes until emergency help arrives.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with Narcan if you are allergic to naloxone.
If possible before you receive Narcan, tell your doctor if:
you have heart problems; or
you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you use opioid medicine during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.
Using Narcan while you are pregnant may also cause opioid withdrawal effects in your unborn baby. However, having an opioid overdose can be fatal to both mother and baby. It is much more important to treat an overdose in the mother. You must get emergency medical help after using this medicine. Be sure all emergency medical caregivers know that you are pregnant.
If you use opioid medicine while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on opioids may need medical treatment for several weeks.
In an emergency, you may not be able to tell caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you received Narcan.
How should I use Narcan nasal?
Use Narcan nasal spray exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
This medicine may be given by a healthcare provider, emergency medical provider, or a family member or caregiver who is trained to properly give Narcan nasal spray.
Narcan should be sprayed into the nose while the p...
