Learning About How to Give Naloxone Nasal Spray
Naloxone (Narcan) is a medicine that reverses the effects of an opioid emergency. Taking too much of an
opioid can slow or stop your breathing. If naloxone is given soon enough, it may save a life. It is available
at many pharmacies without a prescription.
How do you give naloxone nasal spray?
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1. Check to see if the person is responsive.
Look for a response when you ask questions or shake the person.
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2. Look for signs of an opioid emergency.
These include:
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Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing.
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Blue or grayish lips or fingertips.
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3. Put the person on their back.
Tilt their head back.
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4. Put the nasal spray tip in one nostril.
Push firmly on the plunger.
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5. Call 911 , or ask someone else to call.
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Follow the 911 operator's directions.
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If the person doesn't respond after 2 to 3 minutes, give another dose in the other nostril.
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Naloxone spray can't be reused. A new nasal spray is needed for a second dose.
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6. Reposition the person, and wait for help.
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When the person starts breathing, lay them on their left side with their right knee bent and the
left arm above their head.
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Put their right hand under their head to support it.
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Stay with the person until help arrives.
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Current as of: November 15, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your
healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask
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