Naloxone

So, here’s the skinny on Naloxone.

And while it may sound like a British invasion flashback from the ‘60s, Intranasal Naloxone, aka Narcan nasal spray, is actually a medication used for reversal of an opioid-related drug overdose and one that could easily mean the difference between life and death. And recognizing the signs of a potential opioid-related event, along with knowing when and how to administer it, is an easy-to-learn remedy that might otherwise have ended in death.

Let’s face it… drug use and abuse hasn’t gone anywhere, and certainly didn’t end with the rest of the ‘60s… perhaps you’ve heard of the usual suspects: Morphine, hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, fentanyl, heroin and oxycodone (OxyContin). Whether abused alone or in combination with another opioid, these substances act upon very specific receptors in the brain, which may in turn cause the body to all but shut down. And that’s where having an easy-to-use little life saver like Naloxone readily available is a nice tool to have around.

Naloxone is a nasal injectable spray that can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. 

That said, it does nothing for the common cold, weight loss or male-pattern baldness, let’s be clear. Its use is targeted, and would have no effect whatsoever for someone without opioids in their system, nor would it be a treatment for opioid use disorder. What’s nice is that it’s totally free to the public and can easily be obtained from your doctor or local pharmacy. No prescription required.

Between 1999 and 2020, more than 564,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). And because the need is urgent to get an overdose reversed ASAP, there is no time to wait. Seconds can seem like an eternity to an overdosed individual, and without this nifty little injectable life saver, eternity may be where the person’s day might end.

Basically, it breaks down to the When and How to administer Narcan. Signs and symptoms leading to the When may include:

• Someone with a history of narcotic or opioid use, fentanyl patches on skin, needle marks in the body
• Unresponsive or unconscious
• Someone not breathing or with slow/shallow respiration
• Snoring or gurgling sounds due to possible upper airway obstruction
• Blue lips, nail beds, pinpoint pupils and/or clammy skin
• Any and/or all of the above

As for the How to administer, it’s really quite simple. But first, call 911 as soon as possible for a person suspected of an opioid-related overdose. Then,

1. If you know CPR, prepare for it as the person’s heart may soon stop. Ask for help, and have them grab an AED if one is available
2. Administer the Narcan nasal spray by delivering one spray in each nostril (There is NO need to “prime” or test the device as this will only waste time and the medication)
3. Repeat the steps with a second nasal injector, if available, if no response is noted after 2-3 minutes of injection
4. Continue to monitor the breathing and responsiveness, be prepared to provide rescue breaths!
5. Pray EMS arrives soon.

NOTE: The effects of the Narcan nasal spray will last about 90 minutes, after which the symptoms may reappear. It’s critical the person receives emergency medical care.

Potential side effects are rare. The abrupt reversal of opioid depression may result in nausea, vomiting, sweating, abnormal heartbeat, fluid in the lungs, increased blood pressure, shivering, hot flashes, seizures or acute withdrawal syndrome. Signature signs or withdrawal are body aches, fever, sweating, shivering, diarrhea, nausea, or a fast heartbeat. Naloxone should be stored at room temperature (59-77 degrees, F). Do not exceed temps greater than 104 degrees and do not freeze.

This potent and potential life saver does not last forever; please observe the ‘expiration date’ on the exterior packaging, roughly two years.

Opioid abuse and addictions are true medical emergencies. Heroin addiction today is far and away deadlier, due to the opioid’s potency qualities. It could be a co-worker or a neighbor… or your worst nightmare, a beloved but troubled member of your own family. You’d do whatever you could, and what’s better than the gift of life in a time of critical need. If you really love them, prepare yourself to be there for them. You may be their last hope.

It’s up to you.

The key is to know what to look for in terms of signs and symptoms, while also knowing WHEN and HOW to administer it.