How to Administer Naloxone
Step 1: CHECK for an overdose
- Signs of an overdose include the person not waking up, being very sleepy, or not breathing well
- Yell “Wake up!”
- Shake them gently
- If the person does not wake up, move to Step 2
Step 2: GIVE dose in the nose
- Hold the nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger.
- Insert the nozzle into either nostril.
- Press the plunger firmly to administer the dose.
- Note: Our Carry Case holds only 1 nasal spray device, which contains 1 dose of naloxone
Step 3: CALL 911
- Call 911 immediately after giving the dose
Step 4: WATCH for a response
- Wait 2–3 minutes for the medication to take effect.
- If the person wakes up, proceed to Step 5
- If the person doesn’t wake up after one dose, monitor closely while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
Step 5: STAY until help arives
- Stay with the person until emergency services arrive, even if they wake up
- Naloxone’s effects may wear off, so be prepared to assist until help arrives