Explore Our SitesSong for CharlieThe New Drug TalkLa Nueva Drug TalkNational Fentanyl Awareness Day
La Nueva Drug TalkLogo
Have the TalksWatch the VideosGo DeeperSee the LatestGet Help Locally
Search

About Us

  • About Us
  • Become a Partner
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
530 South Lake Avenue, #632, Pasadena, CA 91101
realtalk@songforcharlie.org
Press & Media Inquiries: songforcharlie@ellecomm.com
Song for Charlie EIN: 85-1362612
© 2025Song for Charlie
Privacy PolicyTerms of Use

What is naloxone and how does it work?

April 15, 2024

Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse an opioid overdose, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone is safe and easy to use, works almost immediately, and is not addictive. Naloxone has very few negative effects and has no effect if opioids are not in a person’s system.

By learning where you can get naloxone and when you should administer it, you can be ready to save a life. Naloxone comes in several forms, but the most common is a single-use nose spray called Narcan:

  • NARCAN Information And Instructions For Use

  • Narcan may take several minutes to kick in – up to 2 to 3 minutes when administered nasally.

  • It may take two or more doses of Narcan to revive someone if they have ingested a large quantity of fentanyl.

  • Naloxone only works if there are opioids involved with the overdose. It will not reverse an overdose of cocaine, methamphetamine, benzos, alcohol, or other non-opioid drugs; however, administering it will not harm someone who is overdosing on a non-opioid drug.

WHERE TO GET NALOXONE

As of this year, nasal Naloxone is now considered an over-the-counter drug nationwide, so you can get your own nasal Naloxone from any pharmacy without a prescription. Depending on individual insurance coverage, nasal Naloxone may cost between $45-145 at the pharmacy.

To make nasal Naloxone more widely accessible, many states and non-profit organizations subsidize nasal Naloxone to make this life-saving drug available for free. If you do not have the financial resources to purchase nasal Naloxone, you can still access it at reduced or no cost, thanks to these organizations.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

  • Naloxone: Facts for Families

    – CDC

  • Stop Opioid Overdose with Naloxone

    – California Department of Public Health

  • National Naloxone Finder

    – National Harm Reduction Coalition

Narcan is an opioid blocker. It's going to enter the bloodstream and knock any opioid off of the receptor, reversing the overdose so that the person has a chance at life. We're using the term Narcan, which is a brand name. The actual generic is naloxone, and there are many brands. The side effects of intranasal naloxone or Narcan, if somebody was not actually overdosing, the chance of having a serious health problem as a result are very small.

This is what Narcan looks like. If you're ever in a situation where you're going to administer Narcan, you should have already called 9-1-1. To administer Narcan, all you have to do is take it out of the package. It looks like this. You're going to insert the plunger into the person's nose, either nostril, and then press the pink button down. After that, you're going to want to clock about two minutes. The person should respond to the Narcan within those two minutes. If they're unconscious and not breathing, you will literally see them begin breathing again. If that doesn't happen within the first two minutes, continue doing that every two minutes until the person responds. If they don't respond after three doses, you're going to want to start giving rescue breaths.

One more thing to remember about Narcan is that anytime it's given, a person needs to go to the hospital. Opioids can last longer than Narcan, so the Narcan might reverse the overdose initially, and then the Narcan wears off. Guess what's still in your bloodstream? The opioid. You can find those receptors, and they can re-od. Narcan and naloxone, in general, is now approved over the counter. Everyone should be trained in how to recognize and respond to an overdose.

[Music]

More “Drug Abuse Prevention” Articles

How has drug production changed?

How has drug production changed?

What are the signs of an overdose?

What are the signs of an overdose?

How do fentanyl test strips work?

How do fentanyl test strips work?

What are some good resources on handling addiction?

What are some good resources on handling addiction?

What are Good Samaritan Laws and how do they work?

What are Good Samaritan Laws and how do they work?

What behaviors can signal signs of substance abuse?

What behaviors can signal signs of substance abuse?