The medication Narcan (also known as Naloxone Hydrochloride) is used to reverse opioid overdose. Narcan is an opioid antagonist. It works by blocking opioids' action and reverses their effect on the body. Narcan, which was introduced in 1971, has saved thousands of lives.
It Is
widely available around the globe.
Narcan is used for what?
Narcan's primary use is to treat opioid drug overdoses, such as heroin and prescription painkillers. The drug binds with opioid receptors and stops their action, reversing overdose effects and returning breathing to normal. Narcan is administered by nasal spray, intramuscularly or intravenously. Narcan is not only used for opioid overdoses. It can also be administered to other conditions, such as respiratory depression and alcohol poisoning. Narcan has been used as well to reverse sedation from certain drugs such as benzodiazepines.
Narcan: What are the purported advantages?
Narcan's main advantage is its ability to quickly restore breathing and reverse an opioid overdose. It can even save a person's life if they have overdosed. Narcan can be administered easily and doesn't require any specialized training. Narcan can be used for other medical conditions, such as severe allergies and alcohol poisoning. Narcan has been shown to be an effective way of reducing opioid-related deaths. In 2016, a
study
found that the number of deaths related to opioids decreased by
6 percent
in states with greater access to Narcan. The
study
found that Narcan did not have any adverse effects for those without an opioid overdose.
Narcan side effects list
Narcan, when administered correctly, is considered to be safe. There are a few side effects to be aware of. They include dizziness and confusion as well as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, sweating and rapid heartbeat. It can cause chest pains and breathing difficulties in rare cases. Narcan is only able to reverse opioid effects and not replace medical treatment. After administering Narcan, a person who has experienced an overdose on opioid drugs should immediately seek medical assistance.
Experts or professionals' opinions on Narcan
Narcan has been hailed by experts and professionals for its ability to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. American College of Emergency Physicians has endorsed Narcan's use to treat overdoses of opioids. They encourage all doctors to keep Narcan with them in emergency kits. World Health Organization has also recommended that Narcan is widely made available to communities around the globe. WHO also recommends that Narcan is made available to those who are first responders or family members, and individuals who may be at risk for opioid overdose.
Narcan: How do I get started?
Narcan can be purchased over-the-counter in many pharmacies. Many hospitals have it on hand. Narcan can be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Follow the directions on the bottle and consult a doctor if you are unsure.
What are the side effects of taking this medication?
Narcan is generally safe and does not cause any side effects. Some people experience dizziness or confusion as well as nausea, vomiting and sweating. Narcan may also trigger seizures, chest discomfort, or breathing difficulties in rare instances. It is therefore important that you seek medical advice prior to using Narcan.
Conclusion
Narcan works well to reverse opioid overdose. The medication is simple to use and doesn't require any specialized training. Narcan has been shown to reduce opioid-related deaths. It is also endorsed by both the American College of Emergency Physicians and World Health Organization. Narcan can be purchased over-the-counter and administered subcutaneously or intravenously. Narcan can only reverse the effects of opioids. It is not meant to replace medical treatment..