Dosage for Narcan: What You Need to Know
In March 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Narcan for over-the-counter (OTC) use. This means you’ll be able to buy Narcan off the shelf, without consulting with a pharmacist. Narcan is not yet available for OTC purchase in pharmacies, but it’s expected to become available later in 2023.
If you’re concerned about the possibility of an opioid overdose in yourself or someone in your household, you may be interested in purchasing Narcan (naloxone).
Narcan is a brand-name medication that’s available without a prescription. It’s used to treat known or possible opioid overdose in adults and in children of any age.
An opioid overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more opioid than their body can safely process. (Opioids are very strong pain medications, such as oxycodone or morphine.)
If you experience an opioid overdose, you won’t be able to give Narcan to yourself. It’s meant to be given by someone else.
Drug details
Narcan contains the active drug naloxone, which blocks the effects of opioids in your body. This drug works to reverse the life threatening symptoms that happen during an overdose. These symptoms may include excessive drowsiness, trouble breathing, and loss of consciousness (not being able to respond to sound or touch).
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Narcan is available as a nasal (nose) spray. It comes in a box containing two nasal spray devices. Each Narcan device contains one 4-milligram (mg) dose. You can get this drug from a pharmacist without a prescription from your doctor.
The rest of this article describes the dosage of Narcan, including its form, strengths, and how to use the drug. To learn more about Narcan, see this in-depth article.
Note: Narcan is not a substitute for medical treatment. After giving Narcan to someone, call 911 right away, even if the person wakes up after receiving Narcan.
This section covers common questions about the dosage of Narcan.
What is Narcan’s form?
The drug is available as a nasal (nose) spray. It comes in a box containing two nasal spray devices.
What strengths does Narcan come in?
Narcan comes in a strength of 4 milligrams (mg). Each Narcan nasal spray device contains one 4-mg dose.
What is the typical dosage of Narcan?
The Narcan dosage for adults and for children of any age is one spray into one nostril. One spray delivers 4 mg of naloxone (the active drug in Narcan). The person getting Narcan doesn’t need to inhale to receive the dose.
If someone experiences an opioid overdose, they won’t be able to give Narcan to themself. It’s meant to be given by someone else. After you give someone the first dose of Narcan, you or someone with you should call 911.
If the person receiving Narcan doesn’t wake up or begin breathing normally within 2 to 3 minutes, give another dose of Narcan into their other nostril. You’ll need to use a new nasal spray device for each dose. Each Narcan nasal spray device contains one dose.
Repeat this process every 2 to 3 minutes, alternating nostrils. You’ll use a new Narcan nasal spray device each time. Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives. Then, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) will take over.
If the person getting Narcan initially responds and begins breathing, but then stops again, repeat the process above until EMTs arrive.
It’s important to note that Narcan is not a substitute for medical treatment. After giving Narcan to someone, call 911 right away, even if the person wakes up after receiving Narcan.
What’s the dosage of Narcan for children?
The Narcan dosage for children of any age (including infants) is the same dosage used for adults: one spray into one nostril, repeated as needed. See the section above for important details.
Is Narcan used long term?
Narcan is a rescue medication used to treat an opioid overdose. You’ll use it only in an emergency, so it’s not a drug you’ll use regularly. But if you use opioids long term, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend that you keep Narcan on hand in case of an overdose.
How many times can Narcan be given?
Narcan can be given every 2 to 3 minutes until the person wakes up and breathes normally. There is no maximum dose of Narcan, which means you can give as many doses as needed.
