Narcan is an opioid blocker. It enters the bloodstream, displaces opioids from receptors, and reverses overdoses, giving the person a chance at life. While we use the term Narcan, it's a brand name; the generic is naloxone, available under various brands. The side effects of intranasal naloxone, or Narcan, when not overdosing, are minimal.
This is what Narcan looks like. If you ever need to administer it, call 911 first. Administering Narcan is straightforward. Remove it from the package, insert the plunger into either nostril, and press the pink button. Wait about two minutes for a response. If the person is unconscious and not breathing, Narcan should prompt them to breathe again. If not, repeat every two minutes until they respond. If there's no response after three doses, give rescue breaths.
Remember, anyone receiving Narcan should go to the hospital. Opioids can outlast Narcan, so while it initially reverses the overdose, opioids may still be in the bloodstream when Narcan wears off, requiring re-administration. Now, Narcan and naloxone are available over the counter, and everyone should be trained to recognize and respond to an overdose.
