Narcan Administration

Service Description

Narcan (Naloxone) Overview What Narcan Is: Narcan is the brand name for naloxone, a life-saving medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks opioids from attaching to brain receptors, restoring normal breathing in a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to opioid use. What It Works On: Narcan is effective only against opioids, such as: Heroin Fentanyl Oxycodone (OxyContin) Hydrocodone (Vicodin) Morphine Codeine What It Doesn’t Work On: Narcan does not work for overdoses caused by non-opioid drugs, including: Cocaine Methamphetamine Alcohol Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium) However, since some drugs are mixed with opioids (especially fentanyl), Narcan should still be administered if an opioid overdose is suspected.