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HOW TO USE NALOXONE: A GUIDE FOR PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS
Opioids can cause bad reactions that make your breathing slow or even stop. This can happen if your body can’t handle the opioids that you take that day.
To avoid an accidental opioid overdose:
- Try not to mix your opioids with alcohol, benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium), or medicines that make you sleepy.
- Be extra careful if you miss or change doses, feel ill, or start new medications.
Check responsiveness – Look for any of the following:
- No response even if you shake them or say their name
- Breathing slows or stops
- Lips and fingernails turn blue or gray
- Skin gets pale or clammy
Call 911 and give naloxone
If no reaction in 3 minutes, give second naloxone dose
Do rescue breathing and/or chest compressions
Follow 911 dispatcher instructions and stay with person until help arrives.
There are 4 common naloxone products. Follow the instructions for the type you have.
Nasal spray
This nasal spray needs no assembly and can be sprayed up one nostril by pushing the plunger.
Nasal spray with assembly
This requires assembly, follow the instructions below.
Auto-injector
The naloxone auto-injector needs no assembly and can be injected into the outer thigh, even through clothing. It contains a speaker that provides step-by-step instructions.
Injectable naloxone
This requires assembly, follow the instructions below.