Narcan Details: Understanding Strength, Form, Usage, and Additional Information
Narcan, a life-saving drug used to reverse opioid overdoses, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for over-the-counter (OTC) sales in pharmacies across the United States, starting from March 2023 [1][2][3].
This move aims to expand access to this crucial opioid overdose reversal drug. However, the implementation of this OTC availability has seen some variations. For instance, in-store placement, pricing, and consumer awareness have not been consistent across pharmacies [1][2][3].
In cases of known or possible opioid overdose, Narcan (naloxone nasal spray) can be administered. The starting dose is one spray into one nostril [4]. Each dose should be alternated between the left and right nostril [5]. If breathing isn't normal within 2 to 3 minutes of receiving the first dose, another dose should be administered [6]. It is essential to note that there isn't a maximum recommended dose of Narcan [7].
A person can receive as many doses of Narcan as needed to start breathing normally [8]. However, it's crucial to remember that Narcan isn't used as a long-term treatment but as an emergency dose to reverse a known or potential opioid overdose [9].
Narcan comes as a single-dose nasal spray, with each device containing one 4-milligram (mg) dose of the active drug naloxone [10]. If you have questions about how to use the Narcan device, talk with your doctor or pharmacist [11]. If your doctor recommends Narcan for you, they will prescribe the dosage that's right for you [12].
It's important to note that taking more than the recommended amount of Narcan requires immediate attention. In such a case, call your doctor or the American Association of Poison Control Centers [13]. Also, between each dose, the person should be placed onto their side to prevent choking [14].
The pediatric dose (children's dose) of Narcan is the same as for adults [15].
While the OTC availability of Narcan is a significant step towards combating the opioid crisis, it's crucial for pharmacies to ensure easy access, reasonable pricing, and adequate signage to increase its effectiveness in saving lives.
[1] FDA authorizes over-the-counter sales of Narcan nasal spray to reverse opioid overdose, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-over-counter-sales-narcan-nasal-spray-reverse-opioid-overdose
[2] FDA Approves Over-the-Counter Sales of Naloxone Nasal Spray to Reverse Opioid Overdose, U.S. News & World Report, www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2023-03-01/fda-approves-over-the-counter-sales-of-naloxone-nasal-spray-to-reverse-opioid-overdose
[3] FDA Authorizes Over-the-Counter Sale of Naloxone Nasal Spray, Pharmacy Times, www.pharmacytimes.com/news/fda-authorizes-over-the-counter-sale-of-naloxone-nasal-spray
[4] Narcan Nasal Spray (naloxone hydrochloride) - Prescribing Information, Adapt Pharma, www.narcannasalspray.com/prescribing-information
[5] How to Use Narcan Nasal Spray, U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000963.htm
[6] How to Use Narcan Nasal Spray, Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-kit/in-depth/narcan/art-20060828
[7] Narcan Nasal Spray (naloxone hydrochloride) - Prescribing Information, Adapt Pharma, www.narcannasalspray.com/prescribing-information
[8] How to Use Narcan Nasal Spray, U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000963.htm
[9] Narcan Nasal Spray (naloxone hydrochloride) - Prescribing Information, Adapt Pharma, www.narcannasalspray.com/prescribing-information
[10] Narcan Nasal Spray (naloxone hydrochloride) - Prescribing Information, Adapt Pharma, www.narcannasalspray.com/prescribing-information
[11] How to Use Narcan Nasal Spray, U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000963.htm
[12] Narcan Nasal Spray (naloxone hydrochloride) - Prescribing Information, Adapt Pharma, www.narcannasalspray.com/prescribing-information
[13] How to Use Narcan Nasal Spray, U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000963.htm
[14] How to Use Narcan Nasal Spray, Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-kit/in-depth/narcan/art-20060828
[15] Narcan Nasal Spray (naloxone hydrochloride) - Prescribing Information, Adapt Pharma, www.narcannasalspray.com/prescribing-information
- This move to make Narcan available over-the-counter could be a significant boost in the health-and-wellness sector, particularly in mental-health and chronic-diseases management associated with opioid use.
- The science behind Narcan's formulation and its potential life-saving capabilities in the management of opioid overdoses has been crucial in the approval process.
- In light of the FDA's decision, incorporating Narcan into Medicare coverage should be considered to ensure that all eligible individuals have access to this essential treatment.
- As pharmacies implement Narcan's OTC availability, they should consider expanding their mental-health therapies-and-treatments offerings to aid those struggling with opioid addiction.
- A balanced approach to health-and-wellness involves considering not just physical fitness-and-exercise and nutrition but also mental health and tackling chronic diseases like the opioid crisis head-on with accessible treatments like Narcan.
