Naloxone Facts

Naloxone is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to prevent an overdose caused by opioids such as oxycodone or fentanyl. It blocks opioid receptor sites, reversing the toxic effects of the overdose. Naloxone is administered when an individual is showing signs of opioid overdose. Naloxone can be given by intranasal (into the nose) spray, intramuscular (into the muscle), subcutaneous (under the skin), or intravenous injection (into the vein).

Naloxone:

• Can be safely given to pregnant, nursing, and post-partum moms.
• Can be administered to children and pets.
• Is not harmful if the person is not experiencing an opioid overdose, however, it will not be effective.
• Does not encourage substance use.
• More than one dose may be needed. Please wait 2-3 minutes between doses.

Opioid overdose risk factors include:

• Experiencing a period of abstinence for as little as three days.
• Being pregnant or post-partum.
• Not having a history of opioid use.
• Using multiple substances or polysubstance use.
• Using alone.
• Prior overdose.
• Using prescription opioids for unintended reasons.
• Altering prescriptions to crush, snort, smoke, or inject a substance.
• Using opioids with an underlying heart or lung condition.
• Switching from prescription to illicit opioids.
• Taking extra doses of medication, whether it be accidental or intentional.
• Taking opioids prescribed to someone else.
• Mixing opioids with alcohol, sedatives, or over the counter drugs.

 Administering Naloxone

1. Ask if the individual is okay and shout their name while checking for signs of opioid overdose.
   • If the person will not wake up or respond to your voice or touch, make a fist and rub your knuckles against their sternum.
   • Other signs include:
     • Slow, shallow or no breathing.
     • Blue or grey lips and fingernails.
     • Pale or cold skin.
     • Unresponsive pupils (pinpointed).
     • Gurgling, gasping, or snoring sounds (also known as the death rattle).
2. Call 911.
3. Remove naloxone nasal spray from the box and peel back the tab to open nasal spray.
   • Hold the nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first finger and middle finger on either side of the nozzle.
   • Tilt the person’s head back slightly and provide support under the neck.
   • Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers are pressed against the nose.
   • Press the plunger firmly to administer the entire dose and remove the device.
4. Wait 2-3 minutes to determine if an individual is responding to the dose. Indicators include responsive pupils, regulated breathing, increased heart rate, and/or normal skin coloration.
   • If the person is non-responsive, repeat steps 1-3.
5. Once the person shows signs of responsiveness, move them to a recovery position. Be sure the person is on a flat surface, not an elevated surface.
   • Roll the person on to their side.
   • Place their hands underneath their head for support.
   • Bend the knee of the top leg to prevent individual from rolling onto their stomach.
6. It is imperative not to leave someone alone after administering naloxone. Naloxone only lasts 30-90 minutes and a person can go back into a state of overdose.

Naloxone administration may cause symptoms of opioid withdrawal for individuals who live with opioid dependency.