Naloxone Nasal Spray: How to Recognize an Opioid Overdose and Respond

Naloxone can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Knowing where it is and how to use the product before an emergency can save critical time.

What naloxone does

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used for emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose. FDA has approved naloxone nasal spray products for over-the-counter sale, allowing consumers to purchase certain products without a prescription.

Warning signs that should trigger action

Product labeling instructs users to suspect overdose when a person will not wake up, is extremely sleepy or is not breathing normally. In an emergency, follow the instructions on the specific naloxone product you have.

Give naloxone and call 911

FDA-approved naloxone nasal spray labeling directs users to give a dose and call 911 immediately. Emergency medical care is still needed even if the person wakes up because symptoms can return and additional treatment may be necessary.

More than one dose may be needed

Many nasal spray products are single-use devices. Follow the package instructions about when to give another dose if the person does not respond or becomes very sleepy again. Keep the package available so responders can see what was given.

Store it where people can find it

Check the storage instructions and expiration date on your product. Tell family members, caregivers or others who may need to respond where the naloxone is kept. An emergency medication is less useful if no one can locate it.

Replace used or expired devices

After naloxone is used, replace the supply so it is available for another emergency. Periodically check expiration dates and packaging condition.