What is NARCAN?

PictureSource: CVS.com
Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, is a medication used to block the effects of opioids. It is an antidote for opioid overdose. In an overdose, opioids can cause difficulty breathing and sedation, potentially resulting in death. Narcan is a medication that reverses these effects. Narcan only works if opioids are present in the body and has no effect if they're not. It doesn't work on other drugs or alcohol. Narcan usually takes effect in 3 to 5 minutes and lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Multiple doses may be required, as the duration of action of most opioids is greater than that of Narcan. 

How do I obtain a prescription for NARCAN/Naloxone?

States like Alabama have a Standing Order intended to ensure that Narcan is readily obtainable by any person who is experiencing an opioid-related overdose; or a family member, friend, or other individual, including law enforcement, fire department, rescue squad, and volunteer fire department personnel, who is in a position to assist a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose. In the state of Alabama, the standing order is the prescription and can be obtained by downloading it from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) website or follow this link to read the standing order. 

Where can you get NARCAN?

Narcan is available without a prescription in 41 states. According to CVS Pharmacies, its pharmacists in the states shown on this graphic provide Narcan without a prescription as well as all major pharmacy chains, and most privately owned pharmacies. Pharmacies that dispense Narcan should train individuals on how to use it. If you live in a state where a prescription is needed, don't hesitate to ask your primary care physician. Once you get Narcan, put it in an easily accessible place, tell your family and friends where it is, and learn how to use it.

For more information and important links to Naloxone training and the Good Samaritan Law, visit Alabama Public Health.

How do I know if someone is overdosing?

Signs of overdose can include:
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Snoring sound
  • Gasping for breath
  • Not breathing or struggle to breathe
  • Unresponsive
  • Blue or pale skin color
  • Small pupils
  • Low blood pressure

Overdose death can occur over 1 - 3 hours - allowing time for life-saving actions

Narcan should be given to someone experiencing an opioid overdose. Overdose death can occur over 1 to 3 hours, allowing time to take life-saving actions. Overdose most often occurs when people take a large or increased amount of opioids, mix opioids with alcohol or other drugs, or have had recent changes in tolerance levels. If someone isn't responding, not breathing or is struggling to breathe, he or she may be experiencing an overdose and it's time to begin the steps of Narcan administration.

​Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Laws

Unintentional drug overdose is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Overdose bystanders may not call for medical assistance for fear of being arrested for drug-related crimes. To encourage people to seek out medical attention for an overdose, 40 states and the District of Columbia have enacted some form of a Good Samaritan or 911 drug immunity law. These laws generally create immunity or other legal protections for people who:
  • Call for help in the event of an overdose
  • Have a reasonable belief that someone is experiencing an overdose emergency
  • Are reporting an emergency in good faith
Requirements for immunity frequently include remaining on scene until help arrives and cooperating with emergency personnel when they arrive. ​
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To learn more about each state's Good Samaritan Overdose Immunity Laws, visit:
National Conference of State Legislatures
​Alabama Good Samaritan Act
​Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Laws
​Understanding 911 Good Samaritan Laws
​Naloxone access/Good Samaritan Law by State