#30: How Much Do You Know About the Drug Narcan (Naloxone)?

Should we not all be thankful for the drug naloxone?  After all, as a society we know by now how using this drug has saved lives by reversing the effect of an opioid overdose.  It is even being distributed in communities.  All you have to do if you are in the presence of someone suffering from an opioid overdose is give them the drug Naloxone in time and you will save their life, right?  Okay, how many of you reading this know how to do that?  How many of you know that there are actually three methods taught in community programs in this country as to how to administer the drug Narcan (Naloxone)?  What if you give Narcan to someone who has overdosed on something other than opioids such as Cocaine?  Hmmm, it has gotten very quiet out there.  Here is another question:  How long does Narcan last once administered and why do we care?  I guess that was actually two questions in one. 

First and foremost Narcan has no effect on people who have not taken an opioid.  So if you walk onto a scene where someone is unconscious and there is a suspicion of a drug overdose it is better to be safe than sorry.  If it is available use the Narcan on that person.  The three methods, all used by Naloxone community programs, include a preloaded nasal spray; an intramuscular shot; or an improvised nasal atomizer kit that requires assembly of the three pieces before use.   You should familiarize yourself with all three.  This can be done even by watching some youtube videos on how they are used.  Yes, there are big bold instructions with each, however, there is a saying in boxing which applies here:  “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth”.  When your loved one is lying unconscious, hardly breathing and people are screaming at the top of their lungs around you, that is a punch in the mouth!  Try reading step by step instructions calmly during that.   Having studied in a calm, quiet atmosphere where you were able to concentrate on instructions on how to deliver Narcan might allow you to respond calmly and quickly in such a scenario.  The AMA has a short two-minute video showing how to use these devices.  Just type AMA-How to use Naloxone in your browser.  Providers have been encouraged to prescribe Naloxone to family and friends of people who may have an opioid use disorder.  Please ask your doctor if you are in that situation.  All of the clinics we deal with should have Naloxone on hand due to the clients they see.  You need to know where it is and how to use it.

Naloxone lasts between 30-90 minutes.  The effects of an opioid overdose last much longer, therefore it is possible after the Naloxone wears off the overdose could recur.  People are not “better” if revived with Naloxone and should always be taken to a medical facility.  If an individual does not respond to an initial dose or responds but then relapses into respiratory depression, additional doses of the Narcan nasal spray may be given every 2 to 3 minutes until emergency help arrives.  Although personal experience led me to write this particular blog, I pray none of you will ever need the information within. 

Have an awesome and safe weekend and as always thank you for your business.

Lance Benedict

President/CEO Industry Lab Diagnostic Partners  02/21/2020