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.
schedule icon

Schedule an Appointment

Find the right provider and schedule anytime.

View Providers
Related Articles
Read article
Wellness
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that lets your doctor see detailed pictures of the inside of your body. MRI combines the use of strong magnets and radio waves to form an MRI image. Read on to learn all about having an MRI. 

Read article
Wellness
Be Involved in Your Health Care: Taking Medicines

When medicines are taken as directed, they can greatly improve your health. But if they are not taken as instructed, they may not work. To help make sure that your treatment remains effective and safe, understand your medicines and how to take them.

Read article
Wellness
Myelogram

A myelogram is a test to check problems with your spinal canal. It often uses a real-time form of X-ray (fluoroscopy).

Read article
Wellness
Understanding Care Management

Finding your way through the health care system can be a challenge. Maybe you are unsure where to go for a test. Or perhaps you want to know more about a health condition. Care management can help.