Naloxone

Naloxone is a lifesaving, easy-to-use medication

Naloxone is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It can keep a deadly overdose from opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. Naloxone should be administered as soon as possible when someone shows signs of an opioid overdose.

It’s important to know that naloxone only works for 30 to 90 minutes, so it’s vital that anyone who has overdosed gets professional medical attention.

  • Call 911 before administering so first responders can be on their way.
  • Remember, breathing is more important than waking up.
  • Naloxone is not effective in reversing overdoses caused by stimulants or sedatives only.
  • It is effective if opioids have been combined with stimulants or sedatives.
Naloxone Image

Why keep naloxone on hand?

It’s not just because there has been an increase in the presence of fentanyl. Naloxone should be kept on hand for many reasons.

  • You may live with an older loved one who is taking a prescription opioid and is at risk of mistakenly overdosing.
  • A home health worker is responsible for caring for someone older who is taking a prescription opioid.
  • You know someone who struggles with substance use.
  • You have a friend who uses drugs occasionally or recreationally.
  • Whether you live in an urban or rural area, it can still take time for first responders to arrive.

Other reasons include:

  • It’s effective and works fast.
  • It presents no harm when given to someone not experiencing an opioid overdose.
  • Without it, an overdose can cause death or permanent brain damage.
  • Carrying naloxone reduces stigma and shows you care.
  • It’s available in South Carolina without a prescription.

How to reverse an opioid overdose

First responders receive extra training for naloxone and how to respond to a 911 overdose call. Lay first responders and bystanders can easily administer naloxone nasal spray in just a few steps.

1

Call 911 on speaker phone

2

If observing less than 8 breaths per minute, tilt head back and begin rescue breathing

3

Place nozzle in a nostril and press plunger

Remember, breathing is more important than waking up.

Learn how to identify and prevent an opioid overdose using SAMHSA's Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit

Download Toolkit

Where can I find naloxone?

It has become increasingly important to make naloxone more accessible, not just to those at risk, as well as their friends and family, but also to concerned community members. Here you can find out where to get it – sometimes at no cost. In South Carolina, naloxone is available without a prescription.

Find Community Distributors
Narcan nasal spray

Know the signs of an overdose and overmedication

Call 911 immediately if anyone shows these symptoms and administer naloxone if you have it – even if you are unsure.

Signs of an overdose

  • Face is extremely pale and/or clammy to the touch
  • Body is limp
  • Small “pinpoint” pupils
  • Fingernails or lips are blue/purple
  • Making gurgling or rattling breathing noises
  • Cannot be awakened or cannot speak
  • Breathing or heartbeat is very slow or stopped

Signs of overmedication

  • Unusual sleepiness, drowsiness
  • Mental confusion, slurred speech, behaves intoxicated
  • Slow, shallow breathing
  • Small “pinpoint” pupils
  • Slow heartbeat, low blood pressure
  • “Nodding off,” difficulty awakening from sleep

Stay informed

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You`ve heard of NARCAN, a prepackaged nasal spray form of #naloxone. But did you know there are other ways naloxone can be administered? While prepackaged nasal spray are more widely available, auto-injectors, injectables and yellow-cap nasal sprays may be used, most often in medical settings. #NaloxoneSavesLives #FAQ

Open post by plainkillerssc with ID 18046243664550609
You've heard of NARCAN, a prepackaged nasal spray form of #naloxone. But did you know there are other ways naloxone can be administered? While prepackaged nasal spray are more widely available, auto-injectors, injectables and yellow-cap nasal sprays may be used, most often in medical settings. #NaloxoneSavesLives #FAQ

A person does not have to be breathing for naloxone to work! Since the medicine is absorbed through the nasal mucosa, make sure the device is pushed into their nostril to get the full dose of #naloxone. #FAQ #SaveALife #NaloxoneSavesLives

Open post by plainkillerssc with ID 18030321983427538
A person does not have to be breathing for naloxone to work! Since the medicine is absorbed through the nasal mucosa, make sure the device is pushed into their nostril to get the full dose of #naloxone. #FAQ #SaveALife #NaloxoneSavesLives

Naloxone is the proper generic name for devices like NARCAN© and Kloxxado, which are approved nasal sprays that reverse opioid overdoses. #FAQ #NaloxoneSavesLives

Open post by plainkillerssc with ID 18040066112264806
Naloxone is the proper generic name for devices like NARCAN© and Kloxxado, which are approved nasal sprays that reverse opioid overdoses. #FAQ #NaloxoneSavesLives

Make sure to properly store your #naloxone so it is ready for use in case of an emergency.

You can find more FAQs about naloxone on the @narcanofficial website: narcan.com/en/frequently-asked-questions. #FAQ

Open post by plainkillerssc with ID 17963183282871209
Make sure to properly store your #naloxone so it is ready for use in case of an emergency. You can find more FAQs about naloxone on the @narcanofficial website: narcan.com/en/frequently-asked-questions. #FAQ