How to Use Naloxone During a Suspected Opioid Overdose

Date Published: September 9, 2026

An opioid overdose can happen quickly, leaving little time to decide what to do next. Knowing how to recognize the signs of an overdose and use naloxone can help you act during a life-threatening emergency while waiting for professional help to arrive.

Naloxone is most commonly available as a nasal spray designed for community use. It is easy to use and may be available for free through many public health programs, community organizations, pharmacies or harm reduction programs. The American Red Cross also offers an Opioid Overdose Kit with NARCAN® Nasal Spray for individuals who want to be prepared for an opioid overdose emergency.

What Is Naloxone?

Naloxone is a medicine used in suspected opioid overdose emergencies. It can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids and help a person breathe more normally until emergency medical help arrives. Naloxone is most commonly available as a nasal spray designed to be easy for the public to use. It may be available for free through public health programs, community organizations, pharmacies or harm reduction programs.

Even if naloxone seems to work, the person still needs emergency medical care. Always call 911 and stay with the person until help arrives.

When Should Naloxone Be Used?

If you think someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, call 911 then administer naloxone as soon as possible. Stay with the person until help arrives. Learn more about the signs of opioid overdose so you can act quickly in the event of an emergency.

What Should You Do Before Giving Naloxone?

Before giving naloxone, check the scene to ensure it is safe and then check the person for responsiveness and breathing and call 911. Then, prepare to give naloxone while providing any other care, such as CPR, that may be needed.

Step 1: Ensure the Scene Is Safe

Before you go to the person, check for anything that could be dangerous to you or others. If the area seems unsafe, stay back and call 911.

Step 2: Check for Responsiveness and Breathing

Try to wake the person. Shout their name and tap them firmly. Check whether they are breathing normally.

Step 3: Call 911

Call 911 or direct someone else to call. If you are alone, use your phone's speaker function if possible so you can continue providing care while speaking with the dispatcher. Tell the dispatcher if you suspect this is an opioid overdose.

Administer naloxone if it is available. Follow the dispatcher's instructions until emergency medical services (EMS) arrive.

Step 4: Provide Additional Care

Stay with the person until emergency help arrives and follow the directions of the 911 operator. Depending on their condition the dispatcher may ask you to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation, (CPR) or to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available. If you are unsure what to do or feel afraid, tell the 911 dispatcher. They can stay on the phone and guide you step by step through giving naloxone, starting CPR or using an AED until EMS arrives.

How Do You Use NARCAN® Naloxone Nasal Spray?

NARCAN® Nasal Spray is a ready-to-use device that delivers one dose of naloxone into one nostril. It does not need to be assembled or primed before use.

Step 1: Position the Person

Lay the person on their back and support their head.

Step 2: Insert the Nozzle

Hold the nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your fingers on either side of the nozzle. Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers touch the bottom of the person's nose.

Step 3: Give the Dose

Press the plunger firmly to release the entire dose into the nostril. Each NARCAN® Nasal Spray device contains one dose. Do not test or prime the device before using it.

Step 4: Remove the Device

Remove the nasal spray from the person's nostril after giving the dose.

Step 5: Continue Providing Care

If symptoms do not improve after 5 minutes, a second dose should be delivered in the same nostril using a new device. Stay with the person and continue to monitor their breathing and responsiveness. Follow instructions from the 911 dispatcher.

What Should You Do After Giving Naloxone?

If the person is unconscious but breathing normally, CPR is not needed. Place them on their side, facing you, to help reduce the risk of choking.

Even if they wake up or appear to recover after receiving naloxone, stay with them and continue providing care until EMS arrive. Things that you may be required to do might include:

• Continue to monitor breathing and responsiveness
• Follow instructions from the 911 dispatcher
• Give additional naloxone if needed
• Provide CPR and use an AED if the person is in cardiac arrest (if they are unconscious and not breathing normally)

Learn How to Respond to an Opioid Overdose

Knowing what to do in an opioid overdose helps you act fast when every second counts. The American Red Cross First Aid for Opioid Overdoses Online Course teaches you how to recognize opioid overdose emergencies, use naloxone and determine when CPR may be needed.

Download the Free Red Cross First Aid App

The free First Aid mobile app by the American Red Cross puts expert advice for emergencies like opioid overdoses in the palm of your hand — from the latest First Aid and CPR techniques to the nearest hospital location. Stay up to date on your lifesaving skills.

Or text: "GETFIRST" to 90999

Frequently Asked Questions About Using Naloxone

About the Expert

This article incorporates guidance from Nathan Charlton, MD, an emergency medicine physician, medical toxicologist and addiction medicine specialist at the University of Virginia. Dr. Charlton has nearly 20 years of experience caring for patients experiencing opioid-related emergencies and those treated with naloxone. He is also Vice Chair of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, a group of experts that evaluates scientific evidence and provides guidance on first aid, CPR and emergency care recommendations for the American Red Cross.