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What is Narcan
NaloxoneThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryNaloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioids, like morphine and heroin. It's used to treat opioid overdoses, which can cause dangerous symptoms like slow breathing, reduced heart rate, confusion, and unconsciousness. Naloxone is given by injection or nasal spray, or it can be found in a combination product called Suboxone that also contains buprenorphine. When taken by mouth, the naloxone in Suboxone has no effect and does not reduce the effectiveness of the opioid. The purpose of including naloxone in Suboxone is to discourage injection of the drug,
Narcanis the brand name
Narcan Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Narcan
Naloxone
1971
241
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Naloxone, otherwise called Narcan, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses including Pain and Pain .Pain
Used to treat moderate Pain in combination with Pentazocine
Pain
Used to treat Severe Pain in combination with Pentazocine
Opioids
Septic Shock
Opioid Dependence
Used to treat Opioid Dependence in combination with Buprenorphine
Respiratory Depression
Effectiveness
How Narcan Affects PatientsNaloxone is used to counteract the effects of opioid overdoses. It is short-acting, so multiple doses may be needed. It will not have any effect if a person has not taken opioids. After taking naloxone, an opioid user may experience withdrawal symptoms. It is important to remember that naloxone may not fully relieve the symptoms of an overdose if other drugs are also involved.
How Narcan works in the bodyNaloxone is a drug that blocks the effects of opioids. It competes with opioids for binding to the brain's opioid receptor. If the patient has taken opioids, naloxone will reverse their effects. If the patient has not taken opioids, naloxone won't have any effect.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested dosage of Narcan is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Opioid Dependence, Pain and Septic Shock. The volume of dosage is contingent upon the administration modality (e.g. Spray, metered or Tablet) featured in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Septic Shock
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Respiratory Depression
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Opioid Dependence
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Emergency Care
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Opioids
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Pain
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Itching
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Pain
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Opioids
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Opioids
, 0.4 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.4 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 2.9 mg, 0.36 mg, 0.71 mg, 1.4 mg, 2.1 mg, 0.18 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mL, 1.8 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Parenteral, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Buccal, Film, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Warnings
Narcan ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Naloxone may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Narcan Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
(R)-warfarin
Major
The metabolism of (R)-warfarin can be decreased when combined with Naloxone.
(S)-Warfarin
Major
The metabolism of (S)-Warfarin can be decreased when combined with Naloxone.
1,2-Benzodiazepine
Major
The metabolism of 1,2-Benzodiazepine can be decreased when combined with Naloxone.
3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid
Major
The metabolism of 3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid can be decreased when combined with Naloxone.
5-androstenedione
Major
The metabolism of 5-androstenedione can be decreased when combined with Naloxone.
Narcan Toxicity & Overdose RiskFor those who have not taken opioids, naloxone has little to no effect. The lowest toxic dose of naloxone in mice and rats is more than 1 gram per kilogram when taken orally, 80 milligrams per kilogram when given intraperitoneally, and 286 milligrams per kilogram when given subcutaneously.
Narcan Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Narcan?
64 active clinical trials are assessing the potential of Narcan in treating Opioids, Opioid-related pain, and other forms of pain.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Opioids
0 Actively Recruiting
Septic Shock
16 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4
Itching
10 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1
Pain
0 Actively Recruiting
Opioid Dependence
14 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Pain
0 Actively Recruiting
Respiratory Depression
0 Actively Recruiting
Opioids
1 Actively Recruiting
Early Phase 1
Emergency Care
0 Actively Recruiting
Opioids
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2
Narcan Reviews: What are patients saying about Narcan?
5Patient Review
2/28/2011 Please be very careful with this medication. My husband found me unconscious and called for help. I was given narcan and brought to the ER where they assumed it was an accidental overdose. I was on a ventilator for four days and in CCU for another four because of the severe withdrawal symptoms caused by giving this drug to someone who has been taking narcotics for years.
5Patient Review
1/16/2013 I'm an ex-heroin addict, and a few years ago I overdosed on the drug. I stopped breathing and was unconscious for a while. Thankfully, the paramedics revived me with a shot of Narcan. It only lasted about 30 minutes, but it was enough to save my life.
5Patient Review
7/3/2013 This treatment saved my life when I overdosed. The EMTs gave me the injection and it brought me back from the brink. I'm forever grateful for this medication.
1.3Patient Review
12/1/2012 I was admitted to the ER because they thought I might be having a heart attack. It turned out that I wasn't, but later on the next day they mistakenly thought I had drug toxicity for some reason. THIS DRUG ALMOST KILLED ME. IT SHOULD BE OUTLAWED. NEVER AGAIN WILL I LET ANYONE GIVE ME THIS.
Patient Q&A Section about narcan
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.How does Narcan make you feel?
"Symptoms of the flu can include:
-Body aches -Fever -Sweating -Runny nose -Sneezing -Goose bumps -Yawning -Weakness -Shivering or trembling -Nervousness -Restlessness or irritability -Diarrhea -Nausea or vomiting -Stomach cramps -Fast heartbeat -Increased blood pressure"
Answered by AI
Can you buy over the counter Narcan?
"In most states, you need a prescription to get naloxone, or you can get it from a pharmacist following a specific protocol. You can't just buy it over the counter like other medications."
Answered by AI
What happens if you give Narcan to someone who doesn't need it?
"The drug Narcan will not have any effect on somebody who is not under the influence of opioids. Therefore, it is safe to administer the drug to someone you believe may have overdosed on opioids, even if you are not entirely sure."
Answered by AI
What is Narcan used for?
"It is a nasal spray version of naloxone, which is a medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
NARCAN® Nasal Spray is a prescription medication used to treat an emergency opioid overdose with signs of breathing problems, severe sleepiness, or an inability to respond. It is a nasal spray version of naloxone, which is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose."
Answered by AI