Everybody Can Carry Naloxone. Everybody Can Save a Life.

Suspected opioid overdose: act now

1. Treat it as an emergency. If a person cannot be awakened, is breathing slowly or not normally, makes choking or gurgling sounds, has discolored lips or nails, or has pinpoint pupils, assume overdose may be possible.

2. Give naloxone if available. Follow the instructions printed on the product. Approved nasal devices generally contain one dose and should not be primed or tested before use.

3. Call 911. Naloxone is temporary. Improvement does not remove the need for emergency evaluation.

4. Support breathing and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. If you are trained, provide appropriate rescue breathing or CPR as directed.

5. Place the person on their side when appropriate to reduce choking risk.

6. If the person does not respond or breathing problems return, give additional naloxone according to the product instructions. FDA labeling for Narcan directs a new device every two to three minutes when needed, alternating nostrils.

7. Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives.

What naloxone is—and what it is not

Naloxone is an opioid-overdose reversal medication. It can rapidly reverse opioid effects that suppress breathing, has no abuse potential, and can be administered by people with or without medical training. Some nasal products are available over the counter in the United States.

Naloxone does not reverse intoxication from alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, cannabis, or other non-opioid drugs. Because an overdose can involve multiple substances—and because naloxone can wear off while opioids remain active—emergency medical care is still necessary.

Who should carry it?

Anyone can carry naloxone. It is especially important when someone uses opioids, receives prescribed opioids, has opioid-use history, has experienced overdose, is returning from abstinence or treatment, may encounter counterfeit pills, or lives or works around someone who could be exposed. Families do not need certainty about fentanyl exposure before becoming prepared.

Make naloxone part of the discharge plan

Where opioid exposure may be possible, confirm that naloxone is available, everyone knows where it is, responsible people understand the product instructions, expiration and storage are checked, and the emergency plan still begins with naloxone and 911.

How to obtain and maintain naloxone

Over-the-counter nasal naloxone may be available from pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, community programs, health departments, harm-reduction organizations, and online retailers. Availability and cost vary. Follow the specific product’s storage and expiration instructions and teach others where it is kept.

Naloxone preserves the possibility of recovery by preserving life.

An overdose response is not the time for blame, interrogation, or deciding whether someone is “ready.” Preserve breathing, call for help, stay with the person, and address treatment and recovery after emergency professionals have responded.