by Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. It works by binding to opioid receptors and displacement other opioids like heroin or prescription pain medications. This helps to reverse the life-threatening depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system that comes from an opioid overdose.
How Does it Work?
Opioids like prescription painkillers and heroin produce their effects by binding to opioid receptors found in the brain, spinal cord and other areas of the body. When someone overdoses on opioids, the Naloxone drugs can overwhelm these receptors and suppress breathing and other essential body functions. Narcan acts as an antidote by binding tightly to the same opioid receptors, kicking off the overdose-causing opioids. This restores normal breathing within two to eight minutes in most cases. Narcan has very high affinity for opioid receptors but produces none of opioid’s effects like euphoria or pain relief. So it simply displaces the overdose-causing drug without any psychoactive effects of its own.
Administering Narcan During an Overdose
Narcan can be administered through injection into a muscle or vein, through nasal spray or through an automatic injection device. For someone who is unconscious or not breathing normally, the first step is always calling emergency services for medical assistance. While waiting for help to arrive, a bystander able to recognize an overdose can administer narcan. Injections go into the upper arm muscle or thigh. Nasal spray is administered into one nostril while holding the person on their back. Fentanyl overdoses may require more than one dose of Narcan as it is a very potent synthetic opioid. Repeated doses may be needed until emergency services arrive to monitor and provide supportive care.
Expanding Access to Naloxone
Due to the opioid overdose epidemic afflicting communities across America, programs aimed at expanding access to narcan have increased dramatically in recent years. All 50 states now have either “Good Samaritan” laws or some form of narcan prescription program to allow easier access. Narcan is available by prescription and in some states without a prescription from a pharmacist. The cost of narcan has decreased significantly due to generic options now on the market. Free distribution programs operate in every state to provide narcan at low or no cost. Places that commonly stock narcan now include EMS, law enforcement agencies, homeless shelters and corrections facilities. Friends and family members of those at risk of overdose are educated on signs of overdose and instructed how to use narcan. While not a substitute for prevention or treatment of addiction itself, widespread availability of Narcan helps save many lives on a daily basis.
Narcan Myths and Misconceptions
Even with the effectiveness of narcan well established in saving lives, some myths and misconceptions still persist:
Narcan doesn’t enable or encourage drug use: Studies indicate easier access to narcan does not increase opioid or risky drug use. Its role is solely as a lifesaving medical intervention during an overdose emergency.
It is very safe: Even in repeated or higher than recommended doses, narcan itself produces no intoxicating or adverse effects and poses no risk of dependency. The biggest risk is that a second dose may be needed.
It works fast: When administered properly, narcan takes effect within 2-5 minutes and its effects only last 30-90 minutes, requiring additional follow up care. But this window provides enough time to reverse potentially fatal respiratory depression.
Anyone can use it: While EMS are best equipped to provide comprehensive care, current narcan products are easy for laypeople to administer after basic training. Manual instructions, visual guides and audio instructions empower more to act in saving lives.
It should always be available: Given the increasing lethality of street drug supplies and risks of accidental exposure, community members benefit from ready access to this lifesaving medication whenever and wherever an overdose emergency may occur. Widespread distribution aims to eliminate delays in treatment.
Continued Efforts to Improve Access
Even as naloxone access remains a public health priority, policymakers continue exploring how to maximize its life-saving potential in more communities. Some initiatives in recent years include piloting narcan prescription “standing orders” that waive the need for an individual prescription, incorporating naloxone training into school health programs, integrating distribution with syringe services, and collocating services in high needs areas like drug treatment centers. Insurance coverage for naloxone has also expanded to include public programs and private plans in many states. The goal remains eliminating any remaining barriers to narcan for those at risk of an overdose and the people who could help them. With persistence and ongoing investment, more lives can be spared from thisopioid overdose epidemic.
Narcan plays a vital role as an antidote for opioid overdoses. By displacing opioids from receptor sites, it rapidly reverses potentially fatal respiratory depression within minutes. With expanded access through lowered costs, prescription programs and community distribution efforts, more lives are being saved on a daily basis. While not a substitute for addiction treatment, ready availability of this lifesaving medication is an important public health strategy during the ongoing overdose crisis impacting communities nationwide. Continued policy measures aim to remove any remaining access barriers and maximize narcan potential for saving lives.
Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research.
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
