Naloxone – FAQ
Lifesaving Opioid Overdose Reversal Medication
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Frequently Asked Questions about Naloxone Nasal Spray
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Naloxone is an FDA-approved over-the-counter medication that can reverse an opioid overdose from prescription opioid medications and illicit drugs like heroin and fentanyl. Naloxone quickly reverses an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. It can restore normal breathing within 2 to 3 minutes in a person whose breath has slowed, or even stopped, because of opioid overdose.
Naloxone is easy to use and small to carry. There are two forms of naloxone that anyone can use without medical training or authorization: prefilled nasal spray device and injectable. Naloxone nasal spray is available in a carton containing two blister packages, each containing a 4 mg single-spray device.
Naloxone nasal spray can be given safely to people of all ages, from infants to older adults. It will not harm someone if they are not experiencing an opioid overdose.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, which blocks the effects of opioid drugs and restores normal breathing in a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to an opioid overdose.
More than one naloxone nasal spray may be needed. For adults and children, start with one spray into one nostril. Another spray may be given into the other nostril every 2 to 3 minutes until the person responds or until emergency medical assistance becomes available. Each box of naloxone nasal spray contains two single spray devices.
Please visit our Training page to see videos and learn how to use naloxone.
No. You cannot reuse naloxone nasal spray devices. Each device contains one dose of medication. The device is intended to be sprayed once and should be discarded.
Naloxone usually starts working within a few minutes and lasts approximately 60 to 120 minutes in the body. More than one dose of naloxone may be needed, so getting immediate medical care is critical.
No. It is safe to keep giving doses of naloxone every 2 to 3 minutes until the person wakes up or emergency assistance arrives.
Yes. A person does not need to be breathing for naloxone nasal spray to work. The nasal spray is sprayed in the nose and the medicine is absorbed through the nasal mucosa. It does not need to be breathed in by the lungs for it to work.
Yes! Always call 911 after giving someone naloxone nasal spray! Naloxone is not a substitute for emergency medical care and does not stop the overdose for good. Naloxone may wear off before the effects of the opioids wear off and the person might go into an overdose again. If you give someone naloxone, stay with them until emergency help arrives.
Naloxone will not harm someone if they are not experiencing an opioid overdose. If someone is having a medical emergency other than an opioid overdose, giving them naloxone will generally not have any effect or cause them additional harm.
No, it is given to someone after an overdose has occurred. Someone experiencing an overdose is likely unconscious or their movement and breathing are restricted.
Naloxone can cause withdrawal symptoms or unpleasant physical reactions in people who have been using opioids regularly. Withdrawal symptoms may include fever, anxiety, irritability, rapid heart rate, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and tremors. These are not all of the possible side effects of naloxone nasal spray. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Everyone should carry naloxone nasal spray and keep it in their home’s first aid kit. Anyone can give naloxone to someone having an opioid overdose and potentially save a life. Bystanders such as friends, family, non-healthcare providers, and persons who use drugs can reverse an opioid overdose with naloxone nasal spray.
Get free naloxone at one of our vending machines. Naloxone nasal spray is also available over the counter without a prescription and can be purchased at local pharmacies and retailers.
Organizations who wish to distribute naloxone nasal spray can obtain it through the DHCS’ Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP) NDP provides free naloxone nasal spray to eligible organizations. View our instructional video on how to order naloxone through NDP.
Store your naloxone at room temperature, between 36°F and 78°F. Keep it in your home’s first aid kit and carry it with you. Avoid storing your naloxone in direct light or excessive heat above 104°F. Do not store your naloxone in a hot car.
Yes. Check the expiration date. Naloxone starts to lose its effectiveness after its expiration date, but it may be strong enough to reverse an overdose. Expired naloxone cannot hurt, so use it if it is the only naloxone you have.
A “Naloxbox,” also known as an overdose emergency kit, is a sturdy container designed to provide immediate access to naloxone. They typically contain multiple doses of naloxone nasal spray and may also include additional harm reduction supplies like CPR face shields and fentanyl test strips. Naloxboxes increase access to naloxone and empower community members to respond effectively to opioid overdose emergencies. Individuals, businesses, and community organizations can place these types of containers on their property to ensure that anyone in the neighborhood can help reverse an opioid overdose.
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