Narcan
Pain, Itching, Septic Shock + 7 more
Treatment
8 FDA approvals
20 Active Studies for Narcan
Treatment for
Pain
What is Narcan
Naloxone
The Generic name of this drug
Treatment Summary
Naloxone 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,
Narcan
is 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 8 uses including Pain and Opioid Dependence .
Pain
Used to treat moderate Pain in combination with Pentazocine
Opioid Dependence
Used to treat Opioid Dependence in combination with Buprenorphine
Septic Shock
Pain
Used to treat Severe Pain in combination with Pentazocine
Opioid-Related Disorders
Used to treat Opioid Dependence in combination with Buprenorphine
Septic Shock
Opioids
Respiratory Insufficiency
Effectiveness
How Narcan Affects Patients
Naloxone 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 body
Naloxone 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
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 - Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Film, Film - Buccal, Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, 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 - Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Film, Film - Buccal, Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Opioid-Related Disorders
, 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 - Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Film, Film - Buccal, Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
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 - Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Film, Film - Buccal, Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Respiratory Insufficiency
, 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 - Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Film, Film - Buccal, Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, 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 - Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Film, Film - Buccal, Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, 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 - Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Film, Film - Buccal, Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, 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 - Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Film, Film - Buccal, Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, 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 - Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Film, Film - Buccal, Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, 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 - Parenteral, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Film, Film - Buccal, Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Parenteral; Topical, Inhalant, Inhalant - Nasal
Warnings
Narcan Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Naloxone may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Narcan.
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 Risk
For 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
Emergency Care
0 Actively Recruiting
Opioids
0 Actively Recruiting
Opioid-Related Disorders
0 Actively Recruiting
Septic Shock
0 Actively Recruiting
Respiratory Insufficiency
0 Actively Recruiting
Itching
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable
Pain
0 Actively Recruiting
Opioids
7 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1
Opioids
6 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 4
Pain
0 Actively Recruiting
Narcan Reviews: What are patients saying about Narcan?
5
Patient Review
2/28/2011
Narcan for Decrease in Rate & Depth of Breathing due to Opioid Drug
5
Patient Review
1/16/2013
Narcan for Toxic Amount of Narcotics in the Body
5
Patient Review
7/3/2013
Narcan for Decrease in Rate & Depth of Breathing due to Opioid Drug
1.3
Patient Review
12/1/2012
Narcan for Toxic Amount of Narcotics in the Body
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