What is Narcan? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Narcan

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze or expose to excessive heat. If the spray is frozen and is needed in an emergency, do not wait for the spray to thaw. Get medical help right away. However, the spray may be thawed for 15 minutes in room temperature, and it can still be used if it has been thawed after being frozen before.

• To use: Each nasal spray contains only one dose of naloxone. Do not prime or test the nasal spray.Hold the nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.Lay the patient on his or her back. Support the patient's neck with your hand and let the head tilt back.Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril, until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the patient's nose.Press the plunger firmly to give the dose. Remove the nasal spray from the patient's nose.Move the patient on his or her side (recovery position). Get emergency medical help right away.Watch the patient closely. If needed, you may give more doses every 2 to 3 minutes until the patient responds. Use a new nasal spray for each dose and spray the medicine into the other nostril each time.

• Nasal routeThis medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Your doctor or a pharmacist can tell you where to buy this medicine. It is available without a doctor's order at most major pharmacies.

• This medicine must be given to you (the patient) by someone else. Talk with people close to you so they know what to do in case of an emergency.

• Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medicine that you do not use.

• This medicine must be given to you (the patient) by someone else. Talk with people close to you so they know what to do in case of an emergency.

• To use: Each nasal spray contains only one dose of naloxone. Do not prime or test the nasal spray.Hold the nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.Lay the patient on his or her back. Support the patient's neck with your hand and let the head tilt back.Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril, until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the patient's nose.Press the plunger firmly to give the dose. Remove the nasal spray from the patient's nose.Move the patient on his or her side (recovery position). Get emergency medical help right away.Watch the patient closely. If needed, you may give more doses every 2 to 3 minutes until the patient responds. Use a new nasal spray for each dose and spray the medicine into the other nostril each time.

• Your doctor or a pharmacist can tell you where to buy this medicine. It is available without a doctor's order at most major pharmacies.

• Nasal routeThis medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze or expose to excessive heat. If the spray is frozen and is needed in an emergency, do not wait for the spray to thaw. Get medical help right away. However, the spray may be thawed for 15 minutes in room temperature, and it can still be used if it has been thawed after being frozen before.

• Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medicine that you do not use.

What to do if you miss a dose of Narcan

Narcan contraindications - Who shouldn't take Narcan?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to naloxone.

Narcan warnings

• Ongoing trouble breathing

• This medicine could cause withdrawal symptoms from the opioid medicine.

• The effects of the opioid medicine may last longer than the effects of the naloxone. This means the breathing problems and sleepiness could come back. Always call for emergency help after the first dose of naloxone.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart or blood vessel disease.

• This medicine should be given right away after a suspected or known overdose of an opioid (narcotic) medicine. This will help prevent serious breathing problems and severe sleepiness that can lead to death.

• Seizure, shaking, or feeling restless, nervous, or irritable

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Narcan interactions & what to avoid when taking Narcan

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• This medicine could cause withdrawal symptoms from the opioid medicine.

• This medicine should be given right away after a suspected or known overdose of an opioid (narcotic) medicine. This will help prevent serious breathing problems and severe sleepiness that can lead to nerve damage or death. .

• The effects of the opioid medicine may last longer than the effects of the naloxone. This means the breathing problems and sleepiness could come back. Always call for emergency help after the first dose of naloxone.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart or blood vessel disease.