Naloxone (Narcan): How to Use It in an Opioid Emergency
Naloxone is a fast-acting medication that reverses opioid overdose within minutes. Anyone who has a family member taking prescription opioids after surgery should understand how to use it. This guide explains how to recognize an overdose, give naloxone correctly, and what to do next.
What Naloxone Is and When to Use It
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks opioid receptors in the brain and reverses overdose effects within 2 to 5 minutes.
Signs of opioid overdose: very slow or stopped breathing, unresponsive to voice or touch, blue or gray lips or fingertips, gurgling or snoring sounds.
Naloxone is safe to give even if you are unsure whether opioids are the cause. It will not harm someone who has not taken opioids.
Narcan nasal spray (4 mg) is available without a prescription at most pharmacies in the United States.
If your provider prescribed opioids after surgery, ask about keeping naloxone at home during your recovery.
How to Administer Nasal Naloxone
Call 911 first, then give naloxone while waiting for emergency services.
Lay the person on their back. Tilt their head back slightly to open the airway.
Insert the nozzle of the Narcan spray into one nostril and press the plunger firmly to release the full dose.
If there is no response after 2 to 3 minutes, give a second dose in the other nostril.
Place the person in the recovery position (on their side) after giving naloxone to prevent choking if they vomit.
Stay with them until emergency responders arrive. Naloxone wears off in 30 to 90 minutes and opioid effects may return.
After Giving Naloxone: What to Expect
The person may wake up abruptly and feel confused, agitated, or go into sudden withdrawal (sweating, nausea, rapid heart rate). This is normal.
Do not give more opioids to relieve withdrawal symptoms. This can cause re-overdose.
Never leave the person alone after giving naloxone. Opioid effects can outlast naloxone if a long-acting opioid was taken.
Seek emergency care even if the person seems fully recovered. Medical evaluation is needed to determine if additional doses or monitoring are required.
Getting and Storing Naloxone
Store Narcan at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not freeze.
Check the expiration date regularly and replace expired kits.
Medicaid and most insurance plans cover naloxone at low or no cost. Ask your pharmacist.
Community programs, health departments, and harm reduction organizations often distribute free naloxone kits.
Keep naloxone in an accessible location known to household members, not locked away.
Frequently asked
Questions patients ask.
Can I give naloxone to someone who is just very drowsy but still breathing?
If you cannot wake them with a firm sternal rub (knuckles pressed firmly on the breastbone) and they have taken opioids, it is reasonable to give naloxone. Giving it to someone who does not need it carries minimal risk, while waiting too long can be fatal.
Will naloxone work on fentanyl overdose?
Yes, but fentanyl is highly potent and may require multiple doses. Give the first dose, wait 2 to 3 minutes, and repeat if there is no response. Some fentanyl analogs may require 3 or more doses. Keep giving doses every 2 to 3 minutes and call 911 immediately.
My family member was prescribed opioids after surgery. Should I have naloxone at home?
Yes. Major medical organizations recommend keeping naloxone available whenever a household member is prescribed opioids. The risk of a respiratory emergency is highest in the first few days of opioid use, especially if doses are higher or the person has sleep apnea.
Does giving naloxone mean the person will be arrested?
Many states have Good Samaritan laws that protect bystanders and the person experiencing overdose from prosecution when 911 is called in good faith. Check your state's law, but calling for help is always the right decision in a life-threatening emergency.
For patients
Get a personalized care plan.
This guide provides general information. For instructions tailored to your specific procedure, ask your provider about QR Rx care plans.
These medication guides are for educational purposes only and do not replace medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific medication instructions.
