What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Narcan (Naloxone)
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Product Details
Description
What is Narcan?
- Narcan (naloxone) is a medication used as a reversal agent for opioid drugs.
How does Narcan work?
- It works by directly blocking the activity of opioids at their receptor sites to reduce the clinical effects.
In what forms does Narcan come?
- You can buy Narcan online as a nasal spray or as an injection.
- Nasal Spray Strengths - 2mg/0.1mL or 4mg/0.1mL
- Injection Strengths - 0.4mg/mL, 1mg/mL, 2mg/0.4mL
How should Narcan be stored?
- Store your Narcan at room temperature and keep it away from children.
Directions
- Talk to your doctor to learn about how and when to use Narcan.
- Friends and caregivers of people who are at risk for opioid overdose should learn how to use Narcan.
- How to use a Narcan Nasal Spray
- Each nasal spray device contains a single dose. Do not re-use the device.
- If an emergency overdose situation arises, follow these steps:
- Check if the patient is overdosing by asking them. If they do not respond, check for the following symptoms:
- Slow breathing
- Small pupils
- Inability to wake up
- Lay the patient on their back to prepare for giving them a dose.
- Remove a spraying device from the wrapper.
- Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into the patient’s nostril and tilt their head back by lifting their neck.
- Press the plunger of the spraying device to give the dose.
- Call for emergency help.
- Check if the patient is overdosing by asking them. If they do not respond, check for the following symptoms:
- How to use a Narcan Injection
- Follow the instructions given by your doctor to administer intravenous injections.
- If using an auto-injector device:
- Remove the red safety guard.
- Place the black end of the device against the outer thigh of the patient. Press firmly for five seconds to administer the dose.
- Call for emergency help.
- Usual dosage
- For opiate overdose
- Injectable solution – Give 0.4mg-2mg intravenously. You may have to repeat the dose every two to three minutes. If you have not achieved an adequate response after administering 10mg, reconsider the diagnosis of overdose. Narcan can also be given in the muscle (IM) or into the skin (SQ).
- Nasal sprays – Give one spray (either 2mg or 4mg) into one nostril. You may have to repeat the dose every two to three minutes. Use alternating nostrils for each dose.
- For opiate overdose
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Narcan is naloxone hydrochloride. For a full list of ingredients, see the package inserts.
Fact Table
Formula
C19H21NO4
License
AU, EU EMA, US FDA
Bioavailability
2% (By mouth, 90% absorption but high first-pass metabolism), 43-54% (Intranasally), 98% (Intramuscular, subcutaneous)
Legal status
RX Only
Chemical Name
Naloxone
Elimination half-life
1.8-2.7 hours intranasally, 1.4 hours intramuscularly, and 1.2 hours intravenously
Dosage (Strength)
400mg (2 sprays), 400mcg (1 injection)
Pregnancy
Consult a doctor
Brands
Narcan, Evzio, Nyxoid
Protein binding
Approximately 45% bound to albumin, but there is significant binding to other proteins
PubChem CID
5284596
MedlinePlus
a612022
ChEBI
7459
ATC code
A06AH04, V03AB15
DrugBank
DB01183
KEGG
D08249
Routes of administration
Endotracheal, intranasal, intravenous, intramuscular, intraosseous
Cautions
- Do not use Narcan if the patient has a known allergy to any of the ingredients.
- The patient might have an initial response to a dose but get worse again in a few minutes. Watch the patient closely and give additional doses as needed until emergency help arrives.
- Patients may experience agitation after receiving Narcan.
- Do not use Narcan on newborn babies who were born to an opioid-addicted mother. They are at risk of severe withdrawals that could be life-threatening. Call for emergency help and follow the instructions provided.
- Giving Narcan to an opioid-dependent patient can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Side Effects
Common
- Redness at the injection site
- Dizziness
- Headache
Serious
- Cardiac arrest
- High blood pressure
- Low blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Coma
- Encephalopathy
- Seizure
- Tremor
- Pulmonary edema
- Opioid withdrawal
Other Considerations
Where to get Narcan
- You can buy Narcan online
- You can buy Narcan at your local drugstore
Frequently Asked Questions about Narcan (Naloxone)
What is Narcan (Naloxone)?
Narcan, also known as Naloxone, is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. It is an opioid receptor antagonist that can rapidly counteract the life-threatening symptoms of an overdose.
How does Narcan work?
Narcan works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids attach to. By doing so, it displaces the opioids and blocks their effects. This can quickly reverse the respiratory depression and other dangerous effects of an overdose.
Who should have Narcan on hand?
Narcan should be readily available to individuals who are at risk of opioid overdose or those who may come into contact with individuals at risk. This includes people who use opioids, their friends and family, first responders, and healthcare professionals.
How should Narcan be administered?
Narcan can be administered as a nasal spray or as an injection. The nasal spray is user-friendly and doesn't require medical training. It's sprayed into one nostril while the person is lying on their back. The injection is typically given into a muscle, such as the thigh or buttock.
Can Narcan be harmful if administered to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose?
Narcan is safe to administer to someone who is suspected of an opioid overdose. It is not effective in treating other types of poisoning or medical conditions and should not cause harm when given in these situations.
What are the potential side effects of Narcan?
The most common side effects of Narcan include withdrawal symptoms in individuals who are dependent on opioids, such as restlessness, agitation, nausea, vomiting, and rapid heart rate. These effects are temporary and generally resolve quickly.
How long does Narcan's effect last?
The effects of Narcan are relatively short-lived, typically lasting around 30 to 90 minutes. It's important to seek medical attention for the individual after administering Narcan, as the opioids in their system may still have an effect once the Narcan wears off.
Is Narcan a substitute for medical treatment for opioid addiction?
No, Narcan is not a substitute for comprehensive addiction treatment. It can save lives in the event of an overdose, but it does not address the underlying issues of opioid addiction. Individuals who use opioids should seek medical and therapeutic help to address their addiction.
How can I learn to use Narcan effectively?
Many organizations and healthcare providers offer training on how to recognize an overdose and administer Narcan. It's important to undergo proper training to ensure you can use Narcan safely and effectively.
Can I travel with Narcan?
Yes, you can typically travel with Narcan. It's a good idea to carry it with you if you or someone you are traveling with is at risk of opioid overdose. Check the regulations of your specific mode of transportation and destination for any restrictions or guidelines.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 13255
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