Naloxone (Narcan)

What is naloxone?

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids—including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications—when given in time. Naloxone is easy to use and small to carry. There are two forms of naloxone that anyone can use without medical training or authorization: prefilled nasal spray and injectable.

How does naloxone work and how do you use it?

Naloxone quickly reverses an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. It can restore normal breathing within 2 to 3 minutes in a person whose breath has slowed, or even stopped, as a result of opioid overdose. More than one dose of naloxone may be required when stronger opioids like fentanyl are involved.

Naloxone won’t harm someone if they’re overdosing on drugs other than opioids, so it’s always best to use it if you think someone is overdosing.

If you give someone naloxone, call 911 and stay with them until emergency help arrives.

Signs of overdose

  • Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life. Here are some things to look for:

  • Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”

  • Falling asleep or losing consciousness

  • Slow, weak, or no breathing

  • Choking or gurgling sounds

  • Limp body

  • Cold and/or clammy skin

  • Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)

What should I do if you think someone is overdosing?

It may be hard to tell whether a person is high or experiencing an overdose. If you aren’t sure, treat it like an overdose—you could save a life.

  1. Call 911 Immediately.*

  2. Administer naloxone, if available.

  3. Try to keep the person awake and breathing.

  4. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.

  5. Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives.

*Most states have laws that may protect a person who is overdosing or the person who called for help from legal trouble.

Good Samaritan laws are in place in most states to protect those who are overdosing and anyone assisting them in an emergency from arrest, charges, or a combination of these.

Information obtained from: https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/naloxone/index.html

Naloxone (Narcan) Nasal Spray is available at North Clarion County School District

  • High School: Naloxone is stored in the white “Naloxone cupboard” located next to the gymnasium.

  • Elementary School: Naloxone is stored in the AED cupboard located across from the gymnasium/cafetorium.

ALL suspected overdoses should be reported immediately to the school office, school nurse and/or EMS!