In the face of a growing opioid crisis, having immediate and effective responses is crucial. Narcan, a brand name for naloxone, has become a key player in saving lives during opioid overdose emergencies. With opioid-related fatalities on the rise, the availability and use of Narcan have become a focal point for community health initiatives across the nation, aiming to equip individuals with the means to prevent overdose deaths.
What is Narcan?
Narcan (naloxone) is an opioid antagonist medication used to counter the effects of opioid overdose. (1) When administered during an overdose, Narcan can rapidly reverse the overdose effects, often within minutes, making it an invaluable tool in emergency medical situations. Approved by the FDA and widely utilized in emergency settings, Narcan’s role extends beyond hospitals to public access points, including police stations and community centers, ensuring immediate response capabilities.
What are the Different Types of Narcan?
There are a few different formulations of Narcan (naloxone) that are available for reversing opioid overdoses:
Injectable Naloxone: This form requires the naloxone to be drawn up from a vial and injected into a muscle, vein, or under the skin. Some injectable forms come in prefilled syringes for ease of use.
Prepackaged Nasal Spray: This is a needle-free option that is sprayed into one nostril while the person lays on their back. It’s user-friendly and designed for use by people without medical training.
Improvised Nasal Spray Kits: Though less common, some kits combine injectable naloxone with a nasal adapter. These are not FDA-approved and require assembly and prior training.
Auto-Injectors: Devices like the Evzio auto-injector deliver a set dose of naloxone and provide verbal instructions, making them easy to use in emergencies.
These different forms cater to various needs and settings, ensuring that naloxone can be effectively administered during an overdose situation (National Institute on Drug Abuse) .
How Does Narcan Work in the Body?
Pharmacological Action and Receptor Dynamics
Narcan works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which are the same receptors that opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers latch onto. By blocking these receptors, Narcan effectively displaces the opioids and reverses the respiratory depression that typically leads to death during opioid overdoses. Its action is fast-acting, taking effect within minutes, providing critical time for emergency services to respond and deliver further care. (2)
Rapid Reversal and Immediate Impact
The immediate action of Narcan is its most crucial benefit, as opioid overdoses primarily cause death through respiratory failure. Narcan quickly restores normal breathing patterns by removing opioids from their receptors. This rapid reversal is essential for preventing long-term damage due to oxygen deprivation and potential fatality. (3)
How Does Narcan Work Against Overdose?
Immediate Intervention in Overdose Crises
In the event of an overdose, opioids can depress the central nervous system to lethal levels, leading to a lack of oxygen to the brain. Narcan’s ability to quickly attach to opioid receptors without activating them means it can swiftly restore normal breathing in a person who has overdosed on opioids. This makes Narcan an essential tool in the emergency response toolkit, often being the difference between life and death.
Administration Techniques and Protocols
Narcan can be administered through a nasal spray or injection, providing flexibility depending on the situation and responder’s training. The nasal spray form is commonly used by non-medical responders due to its ease of use and quick administration.
What are the Side Effects of Narcan?
Narcan, like any other drug, can affect the body in various ways. The medication can affect each individual differently depending on age, other medications being taken or other health issues being experienced. Keep in mind there are numerous ways to reduce the side effects, as suggested by a pharmacist. (1)
- Constipation
- Increased blood pressure
- Toothache
- Pain in your bones
- Dry, stuffy nose, or pain and swelling in your nose
- Muscle spasms
- Headache
- The side effects should disappear within a couple of days or even a few weeks.
These side effects are not usual but can happen.
- Allergic reaction
- Opioid withdrawal symptoms
What Should You Consider Before Using Narcan on Someone Who is Overdosing?
Recognizing an Overdose
Before administering Narcan (naloxone), it is crucial to confirm that the person is indeed experiencing an opioid overdose. Signs of an overdose include shallow or stopped breathing, blue lips or fingertips, unresponsiveness, and a very slow or absent pulse.
Steps to Take Before Administering Narcan
Always call 911 immediately. Even if Narcan revives the individual, medical supervision is necessary.
Try to rouse the person by calling their name or performing a sternum rub (rubbing your knuckles firmly on their chest).
Follow the instructions on the Narcan kit. This typically involves spraying it into the nostrils or administering an injection into the thigh.
Where Can I Get Free Narcan in Missouri?
Statewide Initiatives and Local Programs
Missouri has several programs aimed at combating the opioid crisis, which includes distributing free Narcan to the public and training people on its administration. Details on how to access these programs can be found through local health departments and organizations dedicated to overdose prevention. These programs are often funded by state or federal grants, making Narcan accessible without cost to individuals who are most likely to benefit.
Access Points and How to Obtain Narcan
Free Narcan is available through various channels in Missouri, including pharmacies, community health clinics, and through direct distribution at community events. Many of these resources also provide training on how to use Narcan safely and effectively, ensuring that individuals feel prepared to act in an emergency.
Ordering Free Narcan Online
Missouri residents can order free naloxone by visiting this website: www.getmonaloxone.com.
Why Is Narcan Education Important?
As the opioid crisis continues, understanding and accessing tools like Narcan can save lives. Educating oneself about how to use Narcan and where to obtain it in Missouri are vital steps in being prepared to help in an overdose situation. Communities are encouraged to participate in training sessions and keep Narcan on hand as a preventative measure.
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- NIDA. 2022, January 11. Naloxone DrugFacts. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxone on 2024, May 15
- Opioid overdose reversal medications (OORM). SAMHSA. (n.d.). https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/opioid-overdose-reversal-medications
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023a, April 21). Lifesaving naloxone. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/naloxone/index.html#:~:text=Naloxone%20quickly%20reverses%20an%20overdose,opioids%20like%20fentanyl%20are%20involved.
- NIDA. 2022, January 11. Naloxone DrugFacts. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxone on 2024, May 20
