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Learning About How to Give Naloxone Nasal Spray

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Naloxone (Narcan) is a medicine that reverses the effects of an opioid emergency. Taking too much of an opioid can slow or stop your breathing. If naloxone is given soon enough, it may save a life. It is available at many pharmacies without a prescription.

How do you give naloxone nasal spray?

1. Check to see if the person is responsive.

Look for a response when you ask questions or shake the person.

2. Look for signs of an opioid emergency.

These include:

  • Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing.
  • Blue or grayish lips or fingertips.

3. Put the person on their back.

Tilt their head back.

4. Put the nasal spray tip in one nostril.

Push firmly on the plunger.

5. Call 911, or ask someone else to call.

  • Follow the 911 operator's directions.
  • If the person doesn't respond after 2 to 3 minutes, give another dose in the other nostril.
  • Naloxone spray can't be reused. A new nasal spray is needed for a second dose.

6. Reposition the person, and wait for help.

  • When the person starts breathing, lay them on their left side with their right knee bent and the left arm above their head.
  • Put their right hand under their head to support it.
  • Stay with the person until help arrives.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter G787 in the search box to learn more about "Learning About How to Give Naloxone Nasal Spray".

Current as of: November 15, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: November 15, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.