Understanding Healthcare

Giving Naloxone Nasal Spray: General Info

Choose a preferred language

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?

../images/c6dbf300c050fc4d87a16265459b3c98.jpg

1. Check to see if the person is responsive.

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

../images/2cc8cc543013fb09c28791396f724a63.jpg

2. Look for signs of an opioid emergency.

These include:

  • Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing.

  • Blue or grayish lips or fingertips.

../images/34a3a20d1e5c1190a1d52b1b6fd2a303.jpg

3. Put the person on their back.

Tilt their head back.

../images/178b5bff75c431125cb00a4b837c96ec.jpg

4. Put the nasal spray tip in one nostril.

Push firmly on the plunger.

../images/31258672724e41726f33e2c113c6f0c6.jpg

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.

../images/5912bbe4a8af336ccd9ba5ac16b74b65.jpg

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.

Current as of: November 15, 2023

               Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your
healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask
your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of
this information.

© 2006-2026 Healthwise, Incorporated.

Make an Appointment

Make an Appointment

Find a Doctor

Find a Doctor

Find a Location

Find a Location
Related Articles
Read article
Wellness
Duplex Ultrasound: What to Expect

Duplex ultrasound uses sound waves to get images of your blood vessels. Your healthcare provider may want to do a duplex ultrasound to find out if you have any problems with the vessels that carry blood to and from the major organs in your body.

Read article
Wellness
Gender Identity: Medical Transitioning

Transitioning is when a transgender (trans) person starts to live openly as the gender they self-identify as. Medical transitioning can be a key part of the process for many people.

Read article
Wellness
Creating a Medicine Chart: A Guide

When you're juggling multiple prescriptions, it's easy to get confused. A medicine chart can help you keep track of the medicines you take and when to take them.

Read article
Wellness
Insomnia

Insomnia is repeated difficulty going to sleep or staying asleep, or both. Whether you have insomnia is not defined by a specific amount of sleep. Different people need different amounts of sleep, and you may need more or less sleep at different times of your life.