How to Use Naloxone (Narcan)

An opioid overdose can develop quickly, leaving very little time to decide what to do. Naloxone gives family members, friends, and bystanders a way to respond immediately while emergency medical help is on the way. It is designed to be used by people without medical training, and you do not have to be certain that opioids are involved before giving it. Knowing how to use naloxone, when another dose may be needed, and what to do afterward can make an emergency less confusing. Naloxone cannot treat opioid use disorder itself, but it can create the opportunity for someone to survive the immediate crisis and later access appropriate addiction treatment in Florida or elsewhere.

What Is Naloxone?

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it attaches to opioid receptors and temporarily blocks the effects of opioids. During an opioid overdose, this can reverse dangerous respiratory depression and allow normal breathing to begin returning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), naloxone can restore breathing within approximately two to three minutes when breathing has slowed or stopped because of opioids.

Naloxone works on opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine. It does not reverse the effects of non-opioid drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine.

What Is Narcan?

Narcan is a brand of naloxone nasal spray, rather than a different medication. The FDA has approved multiple naloxone nasal spray products for over-the-counter sale, so people may encounter Narcan or another brand when purchasing naloxone (U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2026).

Naloxone has no abuse potential and can be administered by someone with or without formal medical training. It is intended for known or suspected opioid overdose, especially heroin overdose, which means a bystander does not need to identify the exact opioid involved before acting.

When Should You Give Naloxone?

Give naloxone when you suspect an opioid overdose, particularly when someone cannot be awakened or is not breathing normally. Signs that naloxone may be needed include:

• inability to wake the person;
• very slow, irregular, or stopped breathing;
• choking, snoring, or gurgling sounds from someone who cannot be awakened;
• very small or “pinpoint” pupils;
• a limp body; or
• blue, gray, or unusually pale lips, fingertips, or skin.

The most important point is that you do not need to be certain that opioids are responsible before giving naloxone. CDC guidance states that naloxone will not harm someone if their overdose was caused by a drug other than an opioid, so it is better to administer it when an opioid overdose is suspected than to delay while trying to determine exactly what happened (CDC, 2025).

This is particularly important because illicit substances may contain opioids such as fentanyl without the person knowing.

How to Use Naloxone Nasal Spray

Naloxone nasal spray is designed for rapid administration without needles or assembly. Product designs can vary, so always read the instructions included with the naloxone you carry. For a standard single-dose 4 mg naloxone nasal spray such as Narcan, the basic steps are:

• Check the person. Try to wake them by speaking loudly and gently shaking them. If they do not wake or are not breathing normally, prepare to give naloxone.
• Give the first dose. Lay the person on their back. Remove the nasal spray from its packaging, hold the device with your thumb on the plunger, and gently insert the nozzle into one nostril.
• Press the plunger firmly. This releases the entire dose. Each single-dose nasal spray device is used only once.
• Call 911. Naloxone is emergency first aid, not a substitute for professional medical care. Emergency services should be contacted even if the person begins responding.
• Watch the person’s breathing and response. If they do not wake or begin breathing normally after two to three minutes, give another dose using a new nasal spray.
• Continue giving additional doses if necessary. New doses can be given every two to three minutes according to the product instructions until the person responds or emergency medical help arrives.
• Place the person on their side. If they begin breathing on their own, place them in the recovery position and continue watching them while waiting for emergency services.

With products such as Narcan, each device contains one dose. Do not test or prime the spray before using it, because doing so can release the medication before it is needed (National Library of Medicine, n.d.). More than one dose may be necessary, particularly when potent opioids such as fentanyl are involved (CDC, 2025).

What About Injectable Naloxone?

Naloxone is also available in injectable forms. Depending on the particular product, injectable naloxone may be given into a muscle or beneath the skin. As with nasal products, the exact instructions depend on the formulation. Anyone carrying injectable naloxone should read the instructions supplied with that product in advance rather than trying to learn them for the first time during an emergency.

Both nasal and injectable naloxone can reverse opioid overdose when administered correctly. Nasal spray is often particularly convenient for bystanders because it is prefilled, needle-free, and requires no assembly.

What Happens After You Give Naloxone?

Naloxone can begin restoring breathing within minutes, but its effects are temporary. Some opioids remain active in the body longer than naloxone does, which means a person who initially improves can become unresponsive or develop slowed breathing again.

That is why giving naloxone does not end the emergency.

Continue watching the person closely. If they become unresponsive again or their breathing slows, administer another dose according to the product instructions. Naloxone can also trigger opioid withdrawal in someone who is physically dependent on opioids. They may wake feeling confused, agitated, nauseated, sweaty, shaky, or physically uncomfortable. These symptoms can be unpleasant, but the priority remains keeping the person breathing and obtaining emergency medical care.

Stay with the person until emergency services arrive. CDC also advises continued monitoring for at least four hours if emergency medical professionals have not yet taken over care (CDC, 2025).

Can Naloxone Hurt Someone Who Isn’t Overdosing on Opioids?

Naloxone generally will not harm someone if opioids are not responsible for their condition. It works by blocking opioid receptors, so it does not reverse intoxication from substances that do not act through those receptors. This is why CDC recommends using naloxone when an opioid overdose is suspected, rather than waiting until you know with certainty what substance was taken (CDC, 2025).

If someone remains unconscious after receiving naloxone, that does not mean you should assume they are safe or simply wait for the medication to work. Continue following emergency instructions and stay with the person until help arrives.

Where Is Naloxone Available?

Naloxone access has expanded significantly. FDA-approved naloxone nasal sprays are available over the counter, meaning people can purchase them without obtaining an individual prescription first. Naloxone may be available through:

• pharmacies and other retail stores;
• online retailers;
• local and state health departments;
• community harm-reduction organizations; and
• other overdose-prevention programs.

Cost and availability vary by location, and some public-health and community programs provide naloxone at little or no cost. In Palm Beach County, several programs offer free naloxone, including options near Boynton Beach. You can find current locations and access details in our guide to where to get free naloxone in Boynton Beach

How Should You Store Naloxone?

Keeping naloxone available only helps if the medication can be found and used quickly. Store it somewhere accessible and make sure other people in the household know where it is. Storage requirements depend on the particular product. Current Narcan instructions recommend keeping the nasal spray in its box until needed, protecting it from light, avoiding freezing and excessive heat, and replacing it before the expiration date. Narcan should generally be stored below 77°F (25°C), although short temperature excursions up to 104°F (40°C) are permitted (National Library of Medicine, n.d.).

Do not routinely leave naloxone in places that may become extremely hot or cold, such as a vehicle exposed to severe weather. Check the package periodically for its expiration date and the manufacturer’s current storage instructions.

Naloxone Does Not Replace Opioid Addiction Treatment

Naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids during an overdose, but it does not treat the physical dependence, cravings, behavioral patterns, or other factors involved in opioid use disorder. Evidence-based opioid addiction treatment can address those longer-term needs. Depending on the individual, care may include behavioral therapies, recovery support, and medications for opioid use disorder.

SAMHSA identifies buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone as FDA-approved medications used to treat opioid use disorder. These medications may be combined with counseling and other behavioral health services as part of an individualized treatment plan (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], n.d.).

For people whose recovery plan includes medication, Medication-Assisted Treatment can combine appropriate medications with counseling and behavioral support as part of a broader approach to opioid addiction treatment.

Be Prepared to Use Naloxone and Know What Comes Next

Knowing how to use naloxone can make a critical difference during a suspected opioid overdose. Giving it quickly, calling 911, administering another dose when needed, and staying with the person until emergency help arrives are the most important steps to remember. Naloxone and addiction treatment serve different purposes: naloxone can help someone survive an immediate opioid emergency, while treatment addresses what happens afterward.

If opioid use has led to overdose risk, physical dependence, or repeated difficulty stopping, talk with the admissions team about available treatment options and the level of care that may be appropriate.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Naloxone frequently asked questions. https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/naloxone-faq/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, June 11). Lifesaving naloxone. https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/naloxone.html

National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). NARCAN—naloxone hydrochloride spray. DailyMed. Retrieved September 7, 2026, from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?audience=consumer&setid=139c30b9-5600-48f5-8610-0cacd2782398

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Treatment options for substance use disorder. https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2026, June 16). FDA broadens access to over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray for opioid overdose. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-broadens-access-over-counter-naloxone-nasal-spray-opioid-overdose

FAQs

What is the difference between Narcan and naloxone?

Naloxone is the medication that reverses opioid overdose. Narcan is one brand of naloxone nasal spray. Other naloxone products and formulations are also available, including additional nasal sprays and injectable forms.

How do you use Narcan nasal spray?

Lay the person on their back, remove the nasal spray from its package, insert the nozzle into one nostril, and press the plunger firmly to release the full dose. Call 911 and monitor the person. If they do not respond or their breathing remains abnormal after two to three minutes, give another dose with a new device.

When should you give someone naloxone?

Give naloxone when you suspect an opioid overdose, especially if the person cannot be awakened or is breathing very slowly, irregularly, or not at all. Other signs can include pinpoint pupils, gurgling sounds, a limp body, and blue, gray, or unusually pale lips or fingertips.

Can you give Narcan if you are not sure opioids are involved?

Yes. You do not need to be certain that opioids caused the emergency before giving naloxone. Naloxone generally will not harm someone if opioids are not responsible, so delaying treatment while trying to identify the exact substance can be more dangerous.

How many doses of Narcan can you give?

More than one dose may be needed. With single-dose nasal products such as Narcan, use a new device for each dose. Additional doses can be given every two to three minutes according to the product instructions until the person responds or emergency medical help arrives.

How quickly does naloxone work?

Naloxone can begin restoring normal breathing within about two to three minutes after it is given. Response time can vary, and additional doses may be needed, particularly when potent opioids such as fentanyl are involved.

Does naloxone work on fentanyl?

Yes. Naloxone can reverse an overdose involving fentanyl because fentanyl is an opioid. However, potent synthetic opioids may require more than one dose of naloxone, so emergency medical help should always be called.

What should you do after giving naloxone?

Stay with the person and continue monitoring their breathing and responsiveness. Give another dose if needed according to the product instructions, place them on their side once they are breathing, and remain with them until emergency medical help arrives. Naloxone can wear off before the opioids in the body do.