See the DrugPatentWatch profile for narcan
How do I use Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray if someone might be overdosing?
Narcan nasal spray is an at-home emergency medicine used to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Use it right away if you suspect opioid overdose, especially if the person is very sleepy, hard to wake, breathing slowly, or not breathing.
1. Check for response and breathing.
Try to wake the person and look at breathing. If they are not responding or breathing is dangerously slow, treat it as an overdose.
2. Call emergency services immediately.
Put the phone on speaker if possible. Tell the dispatcher you gave naloxone for a suspected opioid overdose.
3. Give the nasal spray in one nostril.
- Open the package.
- Do not prime or test the device.
- Place the tip of the nozzle just inside one nostril.
- Press the plunger firmly to release the dose.
4. Watch the person closely.
Effects can wear off after a while, so the person may relapse into overdose symptoms even after improvement.
5. If there’s no response, give another dose.
If the person does not respond as expected after the first dose, give a second dose using a new device in the other nostril (follow the label/your local protocol for timing). Continue watching breathing.
6. Stay with them until help arrives.
Emergency care is still needed even if the person starts to wake up.
When should I give Narcan, and what signs mean overdose?
You should use Narcan if you strongly suspect an opioid overdose. Common warning signs include:
- Person is hard to wake or unconscious
- Slow, weak, or stopped breathing
- Blue/gray lips or fingertips
- Snoring/gurgling sounds with slow breathing
- Unresponsiveness, limp body
If you are unsure, it’s still safer to use naloxone than to wait, because it can reverse opioid effects quickly.
What if the person wakes up—do I still need to continue watching or call 911?
Yes. Narcan can wear off, and opioid overdose can return. Even if they wake up:
- Keep watching their breathing and responsiveness.
- Follow emergency instructions and stay until clinicians take over.
- Be alert for repeated sleepiness or slowed breathing.
How many doses can I give, and how fast?
Use the number of doses and timing described on your Narcan package or by local guidance. In many protocols, repeat dosing happens if the person is not responding after a short interval.
If you tell me which Narcan product you have (and the strength/label wording on your box), I can help interpret the dosing instructions on that specific package.
What if I accidentally gave Narcan to someone who isn’t overdosing?
Narcan is generally used for opioid overdose and works by blocking opioid effects. If someone does not have an opioid overdose, naloxone may not produce much of a change. Still, if the person is unwell, call emergency services.
What should I do while giving Narcan (recovery position, breathing support)?
While waiting for emergency help:
- Keep the person on their side (recovery position) if they are breathing but not fully alert.
- If breathing stops or breathing is not normal, follow dispatcher instructions and be prepared to do rescue breathing/CPR per emergency guidance.
- Do not leave the person alone.
Can I use Narcan on myself?
Yes. If you’re carrying naloxone and you suspect opioid overdose symptoms in yourself, use it right away and call emergency services. If possible, ask someone to stay with you.
If you want, tell me:
- Is this for you or someone else?
- What symptoms are you seeing?
- Which exact Narcan nasal spray is on the box (and what does the label say about dosing timing)?
And I’ll tailor the steps to your situation.