what is narcan used for

Narcan is a brand name for naloxone, which is a medicine used to help people who are overdosing on an opioid. Opioids include prescription medications, heroin, and fentanyl. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. It can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. Naloxone can be administered by bystanders and is available as a nasal spray, prefilled devices that spray medication into the nose, or medication given by injection into a muscle or under the skin. It can be given safely to people of all ages, from infants to older adults. If you think that someone is overdosing on an opioid, its important to recognize the signs and act fast, even before emergency workers arrive.