Narcan is a medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose.

Narcan is primarily used for:

• Reversing respiratory depression caused by opioids
• Countering the sedative effects of opioids

Narcan works by:

• Competitively binding to opioid receptors in the brain
• Blocking the effects of opioids
• Increasing respiration and waking the individual from opioid-induced sedation

Narcan can be administered through:

• Injection (intramuscular or intravenous)
• Nasal spray

Common side effects of Narcan include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Increase in blood pressure
• Increased heart rate

Narcan may not be suitable for individuals who:

• Are allergic to naloxone (the active ingredient)
• Have a known sensitivity to N-acetyltryptamine, an ingredient in the nasal spray