Naloxone (also known as NARCAN® Nasal Spray) is a medicine that can save someone’s life if they are overdosing on opioids—whether it’s a prescription opioid, heroin, or a drug containing fentanyl.
Naloxone quickly blocks and reverses the effects of an overdose. You can tell it is working because it quickly helps a person breathe normally. It is not a treatment for opioid addiction.
Signs of an opioid overdose include:
Carry naloxone with you every day. You can be a first responder. You can save a life.
Click each of the questions below to learn more about naloxone.
It is available in many pharmacies with or without a personal prescription. Find locations in your community by using the maps on our community pages.
Each community currently involved in the HEALing Communities Study has a map with local resources, including pharmacies and other locations that provide naloxone.
Don’t see your community on our website? Use the resources below to find naloxone in your state.
Can’t find a location near you that has naloxone? You might be able to order it through the mail from NEXT Distro (not available in MA).
If you or a loved one struggle with opioid use, you should have naloxone nearby. Ask your family and friends to carry it and let them know where your naloxone is, in case they need to use it.
People who previously used opioids and have stopped are at higher risk for an overdose. This includes people who have completed a detox program or have recently been released from jail, a residential treatment center, or the hospital. These people now have a lower tolerance for opioids and can overdose more easily.
Anyone—including you—can give naloxone to someone who is overdosing from a prescription opioid medicine, heroin, or a drug containing fentanyl. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is a ready-to-use, needle-free medicine that can be used without any special training. It requires no assembly and is sprayed into one nostril while the person lies on their back. The spray bottle (atomizer) is small and can fit in your pocket, purse, or glove compartment. Carry two spray bottles in case a second dose is needed.
Carrying naloxone does not mean that you are encouraging people to misuse opioids or other drugs. It just means that you are ready to save a life if they overdose.
For more information on laws that protect people who prescribe, carry, and use naloxone, please visit the Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System website.
Naloxone is very safe and saves lives. It can be given to anyone showing signs of an opioid overdose, even if you are not sure if they have used opioids. Naloxone is not addictive and cannot be used to get high.
NARCAN® Nasal Spray is an easy-to-use nasal spray packaged with two spray bottles (atomizers) in case a second dose is needed. A Quick Start guide in the box gives instructions and should be read in advance. People receiving naloxone kits that include a syringe and naloxone ampules or vials should receive a brief training on how to use it.
Naloxone
People with physical dependence on opioids may have signs of withdrawal within minutes after they are given naloxone, but this is normal and good because it means that the naloxone is helping the person to breathe again. Normal withdrawal symptoms can include headaches, changes in blood pressure, anxiety, rapid heart rate, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and tremors. These symptoms are not life threatening but can be uncomfortable.
To learn how to administer naloxone, check out the following resources:
Naloxone begins working within minutes after it is given and should help the person wake up and breathe again. After administering naloxone, put the person in the recovery position, on their side with arms forward, and upper leg bent at the knee in front of the body, somewhat like a sleep position. Further instructions can be found in the box with the NARCAN® Nasal Spray product, or online by searching for "recovery position."