Narcan
Narcan is the brand name for naloxone nasal spray, a medication used to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.
Narcan is the brand name for naloxone nasal spray, a medication used to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. It works by blocking opioid receptors and can restore breathing in a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped because of opioids. In the United States, Narcan nasal spray is available over the counter and through many pharmacies and community distribution programs.
What it is
Narcan is a brand-name naloxone nasal spray used in emergencies involving opioid overdose. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it attaches to opioid receptors and blocks the effects of opioids.
How it works
Naloxone rapidly reverses opioid effects by competing with opioids at receptor sites in the brain. This can restore breathing if it has been slowed or stopped by opioids, but it does not work as a treatment for opioid use disorder.
How it is used
Narcan is given as a nasal spray during a suspected opioid overdose. If the person does not respond, another dose may be needed while waiting for emergency medical help.
Availability
Narcan nasal spray is sold over the counter in the United States. It is commonly stocked at pharmacies and may also be available through public health, harm reduction, and community distribution programs.
Key facts
- Narcan is the brand name commonly used for naloxone, especially the nasal spray form.
- It reverses the effects of opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, and some prescription pain medicines.
- Narcan works by binding to opioid receptors and blocking or displacing opioids.
- It can restore normal breathing during an opioid overdose, but its effect is temporary.
- It is available without a prescription in the United States and can also be distributed by pharmacies and community programs.
Narcan is widely discussed in Canada in the context of opioid overdose prevention and community harm-reduction programs. Availability and distribution can vary by province and territory, but naloxone kits are commonly provided through pharmacies and public health services.
Frequently asked questions
What is Narcan?
How does Narcan work?
How to use Narcan?
Where to buy Narcan?
Is Narcan over the counter?
What is Narcan used for?
References
- National Institute on Drug Abuse — https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxoneSupports: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses opioid overdose; Narcan is a brand name; naloxone can be administered as a nasal spray or injection.
- Healthline — https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/narcanSupports: Narcan nasal spray is an over-the-counter drug in the United States and is available without a prescription at many pharmacies.
- Mayo Clinic — https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/naloxone-nasal-route/description/drg-20165181Supports: Naloxone nasal spray is used for emergency treatment of opioid overdose and is available over the counter in the United States.
- Nemours KidsHealth — https://www.kidshealth.org/en/parents/narcan.htmlSupports: Narcan is naloxone; it is used to reverse opioid overdose and is available at pharmacies without a prescription in the United States.
- Harm Reduction Coalition — https://harmreduction.org/issues/overdose-prevention/overview/overdose-basics/understanding-naloxone/Supports: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to counter the effects of opioid overdose and restore breathing.
- Boston University — https://www.bu.edu/articles/2023/everything-you-need-to-know-about-narcan/Supports: Narcan is a brand-name nasal spray form of naloxone; it is available at pharmacies and used in an emergency to reverse opioid overdose.