Narcan AKA Naloxone

Narcan 

“ The only thing Narcan enables is breathing!”

    

What is naloxone, also known as Narcan?

Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. But, naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder. Examples of opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, and morphine.

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Narcan is a non prescribed medication 

 

- Signs of a opioid poisoning 

      What are some signs of an opioid overdose?

• unconsciousness

• very small pupils

• slow or shallow breathing

• vomiting

• an inability to speak

• faint heartbeat

• limp arms and legs

• pale skin

• purple lips and fingernails

  - if you are unsure if they are experiencing a opioid poisoning using Narcan will not hurt the person it can only save them. 

 

How do you use Narcan 

   Always Call 911 First!

 

Make sure all doors are unlocked so help can get inside. 

Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril of the person who is experiencing a opioid event, place your fingers on either side of the nozzle. Press the plunger firmly to give the dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray. 

  (Do not test spray into the air, each nose spray only contains one shot.) 

Do chest compressions for 3 minutes. Do not do mouth to mouth. 

Turn person on side if vomiting occurs. 

Repeat this process until help arrives. 

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