Narcan Nasal (Naloxone Hydrochloride Nasal Spray): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning

PROFESSIONAL CONSUMER SIDE EFFECTS

Drug Description

What is NARCAN Nasal Spray and how is it used?

NARCAN Nasal Spray is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of an opioid emergency such as an overdose or a possible opioid overdose with signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or not being able to respond.
NARCAN Nasal Spray is to be given right away and does not take the place of emergency medical care. Get emergency medical help right away after giving the first dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray, even if the person wakes up.
NARCAN Nasal Spray is safe and effective in children for known or suspected opioid overdose.

What are the possible side effects of NARCAN Nasal Spray?

NARCAN Nasal Spray may cause serious side effects, including:

Sudden opioid withdrawal symptoms. In someone who has been using opioids regularly, opioid withdrawal symptoms can happen suddenly after receiving NARCAN Nasal Spray and may include:
- body aches
- diarrhea
- increased heart rate
- fever
- runny nose
- sneezing
- goose bumps
- sweating
- yawning
- nausea or vomiting
- nervousness
- restlessness or irritability
- shivering or trembling
- stomach cramping
- weakness
- increased blood pressure

In infants under 4 weeks old who have been receiving opioids regularly, sudden opioid withdrawal may be lifethreatening if not treated the right way. Signs and symptoms include: seizures, crying more than usual, and increased reflexes.

These are not all of the possible side effects of NARCAN Nasal Spray. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

DESCRIPTION

NARCAN (naloxone hydrochloride) Nasal Spray is a pre-filled, single dose intranasal spray. Chemically, naloxone hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt of 17-Allyl-4,5α-epoxy-3,14- dihydroxymorphinan-6-one hydrochloride with the following structure:

NARCAN® NASAL SPRAY.NARCAN® (naloxone hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

Naloxone hydrochloride, an opioid antagonist, occurs as a white to slightly off-white powder, and is soluble in water, in dilute acids, and in strong alkali; slightly soluble in alcohol; practically insoluble in ether and in chloroform.

Each NARCAN Nasal Spray contains a single 4 mg dose of naloxone hydrochloride in a 0.1 Ml intranasal spray.

Inactive ingredients include benzalkonium chloride (preservative), disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (stabilizer), sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, and purified water. The pH range is 3.5 to 5.5.

Indications & Dosage

INDICATIONS

NARCAN Nasal Spray is indicated for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose, as manifested by respiratory and/or central nervous system depression.

NARCAN Nasal Spray is intended for immediate administration as emergency therapy in settings where opioids may be present.

NARCAN Nasal Spray is not a substitute for emergency medical care.

Limitations Of Use

Restrict prescription of NARCAN Nasal Spray 2 mg to opioid-dependent patients expected to be at risk for severe opioid withdrawal in situations where there is a low risk for accidental or intentional opioid exposure by household contacts.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Important Administration Instructions

NARCAN Nasal Spray is for intranasal use only.

No additional device assembly is required.

Because treatment of suspected opioid overdose must be performed by someone other than the patient, instruct the prescription recipient to inform those around them about the presence of NARCAN Nasal Spray and the Instructions for Use.

Instruct the patient or caregiver to read the Instructions for Use at the time they receive a prescription for NARCAN Nasal Spray. Emphasize the following instructions to the patient or caregiver:

Administer NARCAN Nasal Spray as quickly as possible because prolonged respiratory depression may result in damage to the central nervous system or death. Since the duration of action of most opioids exceeds that of naloxone hydrochloride and the suspected opioid overdose may occur outside of supervised medical settings, seek immediate emergency medical assistance, keep the patient under continued surveillance until emergency personnel arrive, and administer repeated doses of NARCAN Nasal Spray, as necessary. Always seek emergency medical assistance in the event of a suspected, potentially life-threatening opioid emergency after administration of the first dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray.
Additional doses of NARCAN Nasal Spray may be required until emergency medical assistance becomes available.
Do not attempt to reuse NARCAN Nasal Spray. Each NARCAN Nasal Spray contains a single dose of naloxone and cannot be reused.
Re-administer NARCAN Nasal Spray, using a new nasal spray, every 2 to 3 minutes if the patient does not respond or responds and then relapses into respiratory depression.
Administer NARCAN Nasal Spray in alternate nostrils with each dose.
Administer NARCAN Nasal Spray according to the printed instructions on the device label and the Instructions for Use.
Place the patient in the supine position. Prior to administration, be sure the device nozzle is inserted in either nostril of the patient, and provide support to the back of the neck to allow the head to tilt back. Do not prime or test the device prior to administration.
To administer the dose press firmly on the device plunger.
Remove the device nozzle from the nostril after use.
Turn patient on their side as shown in the Instructions for Use and call for emergency medical assistance immediately after administration of the first dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray.

Dosing In Adults And Pediatric Patients

Initial Dosing

The recommended initial dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray in adults and pediatric patients is one spray delivered by intranasal administration into one nostril.

Repeat Dosing

Seek emergency medical assistance as soon as possible after administering the first dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray.

The requirement for repeat doses of NARCAN Nasal Spray depends upon the amount, type, and route of administration of the opioid being antagonized.

Administer NARCAN Nasal Spray in alternate nostrils with each dose.

If the patient responds to NARCAN Nasal Spray and relapses back into respiratory depression before emergency assistance arrives, administer an additional dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray using a new NARCAN Nasal Spray and continue surveillance of the patient.

If the desired response is not obtained after 2 or 3 minutes, administer an additional dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray using a new NARCAN Nasal Spray. If there is still no response and additional doses are available, administer additional doses of NARCAN Nasal Spray every 2 to 3 minutes using a new NARCAN Nasal Spray with each dose until emergency medical assistance arrives.

Additional supportive and/or resuscitative measures may be helpful while awaiting emergency medical assistance.

Dosing Modifications Due To Partial Agonists Or Mixed Agonist/Antagonists

Reversal of respiratory depression by partial agonists or mixed agonist/antagonists, such as buprenorphine and pentazocine, may be incomplete and require higher doses of naloxone hydrochloride or repeated administration of NARCAN Nasal Spray using a new nasal spray [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

HOW SUPPLIED

Dosage Forms And Strengths

NARCAN Nasal Spray is supplied as a single-dose intranasal spray containing 2 mg or 4 mg of naloxone hydrochloride in 0.1 mL.

NARCAN Nasal Spray 2 mg is supplied as a carton containing four (4) blister packages (NDC 69547-212-04) each with a single spray device and as a carton containing twenty-four (24) blister packages (NDC 69547-212-24) each with a single spray device.

NARCAN Nasal Spray 4 mg is supplied as Carton containing two (2) blister packages (NDC 69547-353-02) each with a single spray device.

NARCAN Nasal Spray is not made with natural rubber latex.

Storage And Handling

Store NARCAN Nasal Spray in the blister and cartons provided.

Store below 77°F (25°C). Excursions permitted up to 104°F (40°C). Do not freeze or expose to excessive heat above 104°F (40°C). Protect from light.

NARCAN Nasal Spray freezes at temperatures below 5°F (-15°C). If this happens, the device will not spray. If NARCAN Nasal Spray is frozen and is needed in an emergency, do NOT wait for NARCAN Nasal Spray to thaw. Get emergency medical help right away. However, NARCAN Nasal Spray may be thawed by allowing it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, and it may still be used if it has been thawed after being previously frozen.

Distributed by Adapt Pharma, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 USA. Revised: Aug 2020

Side Effects & Drug Interactions

SIDE EFFECTS

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling:

Precipitation of Severe Opioid Withdrawal [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to the rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The following adverse reactions were observed in a NARCAN Nasal Spray clinical study.

In a pharmacokinetic study of 30 healthy adult volunteers exposed to one spray of NARCAN Nasal Spray in one nostril or two sprays of NARCAN Nasal Spray, one in each nostril, the most common adverse reactions were: increased blood pressure, constipation, toothache, muscle spasms, musculoskeletal pain, headache, nasal dryness, nasal edema, nasal congestion, nasal inflammation, rhinalgia, and xeroderma.

The following adverse reactions have been identified primarily during post-approval use of naloxone hydrochloride in the post-operative setting. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure: Hypotension, hypertension, ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, dyspnea, pulmonary edema, and cardiac arrest. Death, coma, and encephalopathy have been reported as sequelae of these events. Excessive doses of naloxone hydrochloride in post-operative patients have resulted in significant reversal of analgesia, and have caused agitation.

Abrupt reversal of opioid effects in persons who were physically dependent on opioids has precipitated an acute withdrawal syndrome. Signs and symptoms have included: body aches, fever, sweating, runny nose, sneezing, piloerection, yawning, weakness, shivering or trembling, nervousness, restlessness or irritability, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, abdominal cramps, increased blood pressure, tachycardia. In some patients, there may be aggressive behavior upon abrupt reversal of an opioid overdose. In the neonate, opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms also included convulsions, excessive crying, and hyperactive reflexes.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

No Information provided

Warnings & Precautions

WARNINGS

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

PRECAUTIONS

Risk Of Recurrent Respiratory And Central Nervous System Depression

The duration of action of most opioids may exceed that of NARCAN Nasal Spray resulting in a return of respiratory and/or central nervous system depression after an initial improvement in symptoms. Therefore, it is necessary to seek emergency medical assistance immediately after administration of the first dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray and to keep the patient under continued surveillance. Administer additional doses of NARCAN Nasal Spray if the patient is not adequately responding or responds and then relapses back into respiratory depression, as necessary [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Additional supportive and/or resuscitative measures may be helpful while awaiting emergency medical assistance.

Risk Of Limited Efficacy With Partial Agonists Or Mixed Agonist/Antagonists

Reversal of respiratory depression by partial agonists or mixed agonist/antagonists such as buprenorphine and pentazocine, may be incomplete. Larger or repeat doses of naloxone hydrochloride may be required to antagonize buprenorphine because the latter has a long duration of action due to its slow rate of binding and subsequent slow dissociation from the opioid receptor [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Buprenorphine antagonism is characterized by a gradual onset of the reversal effects and a decreased duration of action of the normally prolonged respiratory depression.

Precipitation Of Severe Opioid Withdrawal

The use of NARCAN Nasal Spray in patients who are opioid-dependent may precipitate opioid withdrawal characterized by the following signs and symptoms: body aches, diarrhea, tachycardia, fever, runny nose, sneezing, piloerection, sweating, yawning, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, restlessness or irritability, shivering or trembling, abdominal cramps, weakness, and increased blood pressure. In neonates, opioid withdrawal may be life-threatening if not recognized and properly treated and may include the following signs and symptoms: convulsions, excessive crying, and hyperactive reflexes. Monitor the patient for the development of the signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

There are limited data to inform if the 2 mg dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray will avoid precipitation of severe opioid withdrawal in the setting of opioid dependence. However, the 2 mg dose may not provide an adequate and timely reversal in persons who may be exposed to an overdose of a potent or very high dose of opioids.

Abrupt postoperative reversal of opioid depression after using naloxone hydrochloride may result in nausea, vomiting, sweating, tremulousness, tachycardia, hypotension, hypertension, seizures, ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, pulmonary edema, and cardiac arrest. Death, coma, and encephalopathy have been reported as sequelae of these events. These events have primarily occurred in patients who had pre-existing cardiovascular disorders or received other drugs that may have similar adverse cardiovascular effects. Although a direct cause and effect relationship has not been established, after use of naloxone hydrochloride, monitor patients with pre-existing cardiac disease or patients who have received medications with potential adverse cardiovascular effects for hypotension, ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, and pulmonary edema in an appropriate healthcare setting. It has been suggested that the pathogenesis of pulmonary edema associated with the use of naloxone hydrochloride is similar to neurogenic pulmonary edema, i.e., a centrally mediated massive catecholamine response leading to a dramatic shift of blood volume into the pulmonary vascular bed resulting in increased hydrostatic pressures.

There may be clinical settings, particularly the postpartum period in neonates with known or suspected exposure to maternal opioid use, where it is preferable to avoid the abrupt precipitation of opioid withdrawal symptoms. In these settings, consider use of an alternative, naloxonecontaining product that can be titrated to effect and, where applicable, dosed according to weight. [see Use In Specific Populations].

Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient and family members or caregivers to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use).

Recognition of Opioid Overdose

Inform patients and their family members or caregivers about how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose such as the following:

Extreme somnolence - inability to awaken a patient verbally or upon a firm sternal rub.
Respiratory depression - this can range from slow or shallow respiration to no respiration in a patient who is unarousable.
Other signs and symptoms that may accompany somnolence and respiratory depression include the following:
- Miosis.
- Bradycardia and/or hypotension.

Risk Of Recurrent Respiratory And Central Nervous System Depression

Instruct patients and their family members or caregivers that, since the duration of action of most opioids may exceed that of NARCAN Nasal Spray, they must seek immediate emergency medical assistance after the first dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray and keep the patient under continued surveillance [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Limited Efficacy For/With Partial Agonists Or Mixed Agonist/Antagonists

Instruct patients and their family members or caregivers that the reversal of respiratory depression caused by partial agonists or mixed agonist/antagonists, such as buprenorphine and pentazocine, may be incomplete and may require higher doses of naloxone hydrochloride or repeated administration of NARCAN Nasal Spray, using a new nasal spray each time [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Precipitation Of Severe Opioid Withdrawal

Instruct patients and their family members or caregivers that the use of NARCAN Nasal Spray in patients who are opioid dependent may precipitate opioid withdrawal [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Administration Instructions

Instruct patients and their family members or caregivers to:

Ensure NARCAN Nasal Spray is present whenever persons may be intentionally or accidentally exposed to an opioid overdose (i.e., opioid emergencies).
Administer NARCAN Nasal Spray as quickly as possible if a patient is unresponsive and an opioid overdose is suspected, even when in doubt, because prolonged respiratory depression may result in damage to the central nervous system or death. NARCAN Nasal Spray is not a substitute for emergency medical care [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Lay the patient on their back and administer NARCAN Nasal Spray into one nostril while providing support to the back of the neck to allow the head to tilt back [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Use each nasal spray only one time [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Turn patient on their side as shown in the Instructions for Use and call for emergency medical assistance immediately after administration of the first dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray. Additional supportive and/or resuscitative measures may be helpful while awaiting emergency medical assistance [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Monitor patients and re-administer NARCAN Nasal Spray using a new NARCAN Nasal Spray every 2 to 3 minutes, if the patient is not responding or responds and then relapses back into respiratory depression. Administer NARCAN Nasal Spray in alternate nostrils with each dose [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Replace NARCAN Nasal Spray before its expiration date.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

Long-term animal studies to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of naloxone have not been completed.

Mutagenesis

Naloxone was weakly positive in the Ames mutagenicity and in the in vitro human lymphocyte chromosome aberration test but was negative in the in vitro Chinese hamster V79 cell HGPRT mutagenicity assay and in the in vivo rat bone marrow chromosome aberration study.

Impairment Of Fertility

Male rats were treated with 2 or 10 mg/kg naloxone for 60 days prior to mating. Female rats treated for 14-days prior to mating and throughout gestation with the same doses of naloxone (up to 12-times a human dose of 8 mg/day (two NARCAN Nasal Sprays) based on body surface area comparison). There was no adverse effect on fertility.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

The limited available data on naloxone use in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform a drugassociated risk. However, there are clinical considerations [see Clinical Considerations]. In animal reproduction studies, no embryotoxic or teratogenic effects were observed in mice and rats treated with naloxone hydrochloride during the period of organogenesis at doses equivalent to 6-times and 12-times, respectively, a human dose of 8 mg/day (two NARCAN Nasal Sprays) based on body surface area comparison [see Data].

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions

Naloxone hydrochloride crosses the placenta, and may precipitate withdrawal in the fetus, as well as in the opioid-dependent mother [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. The fetus should be evaluated for signs of distress after NARCAN Nasal Spray is used. Careful monitoring is needed until the fetus and mother are stabilized.

Data

Animal Data

Naloxone hydrochloride was administered during organogenesis to mice and rats at subcutaneous doses up to 10 mg/kg/day (equivalent to 6-times and 12-times, respectively, a human dose of 8 mg (two NARCAN Nasal Sprays)) (based on body surface area comparison). These studies demonstrated no embryotoxic or teratogenic effects due to naloxone hydrochloride.

Pregnant female rats were administered 2 or 10 mg/kg naloxone subcutaneously from Gestation Day 15 to Postnatal day 21. There were no adverse effects on the offspring (up to 12-times a human dose of 8 mg/day (two NARCAN Nasal Sprays) based on body surface area comparison).

Lactation

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of naloxone in human milk, or the effects of naloxone on the breastfed infant or on milk production. Studies in nursing mothers have shown that naloxone does not affect prolactin or oxytocin hormone levels. Naloxone is minimally orally bioavailable.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of NARCAN Nasal Spray have been established in pediatric patients of all ages for known or suspected opioid overdose as manifested by respiratory and/or central nervous system depression. Use of naloxone hydrochloride in all pediatric patients is supported by adult bioequivalence studies coupled with evidence from the safe and effective use of other naloxone hydrochloride drug products. No pediatric studies were conducted for NARCAN Nasal Spray.

Absorption of naloxone hydrochloride following intranasal administration in pediatric patients may be erratic or delayed. Even when the opiate-intoxicated pediatric patient responds appropriately to naloxone hydrochloride, he/she must be carefully monitored for at least 24 hours, as a relapse may occur as naloxone hydrochloride is metabolized.

In opioid-dependent pediatric patients, (including neonates), administration of naloxone hydrochloride may result in an abrupt and complete reversal of opioid effects, precipitating an acute opioid withdrawal syndrome. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, unlike opioid withdrawal syndrome in adults, may be life-threatening, if not recognized, and should be treated according to protocols developed by neonatology experts [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

In settings such as in neonates with known or suspected exposure to maternal opioid use, where it may be preferable to avoid the abrupt precipitation of opioid withdrawal symptoms, consider use of an alternate naloxone-containing product that can be dosed according to weight and titrated to effect.

Also, in situations where the primary concern is for infants at risk for opioid overdose, consider whether the availability of alternate naloxone-containing products may be better suited than NARCAN Nasal Spray.

Geriatric Use

Geriatric patients have a greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Therefore, the systemic exposure of naloxone hydrochloride can be higher in these patients.

Clinical studies of naloxone hydrochloride did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.

Overdosage & Contraindications

OVERDOSE

No information provided.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

NARCAN Nasal Spray is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to naloxone hydrochloride or to any of the other ingredients.

Clinical Pharmacology

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Mechanism Of Action

Naloxone hydrochloride is an opioid antagonist that antagonizes opioid effects by competing for the same receptor sites.

Naloxone hydrochloride reverses the effects of opioids, including respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension. It can also reverse the psychotomimetic and dysphoric effects of agonist-antagonists such as pentazocine.

Pharmacodynamics

When naloxone hydrochloride is administered intravenously, the onset of action is generally apparent within two minutes. The time to onset of action is shorter for intravenous compared to subcutaneous or intramuscular routes of administration. The duration of action is dependent upon the dose and route of administration of naloxone hydrochloride.

Pharmacokinetics

In a pharmacokinetic study in 30 healthy adult subjects, the relative bioavailability (BA) of one nasal spray in one nostril, consisting of a 2 mg total dose (0.1 mL of 20 mg/mL naloxone hydrochloride solution) and a 4 mg total dose (0.1 mL of 40 mg/mL naloxone hydrochloride solution), and two nasal sprays administered as one nasal spray in each nostril, consisting of a 4 mg total dose (0.1 mL of 20 mg/mL naloxone hydrochloride solution in each nostril) and an 8 mg total dose (0.1 mL of 40 mg/mL naloxone hydrochloride solution in each nostril), were compared to a single dose of 0.4 mg naloxone hydrochloride intramuscular injection. For intranasal administration, the subjects were instructed not to breathe through the nose during administration of the nasal spray, and remained fully supine for approximately one hour postdose. For intramuscular administration, naloxone was administered as a single injection in the gluteus maximus muscle. The pharmacokinetic parameters obtained in the study are shown in Table 1.

Table 1 : Mean Pharmacokinetic Parameters (CV%) for Naloxone Following NARCAN (Naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray and Intramuscular Injection of Naloxone HCl to Healthy Subjects

Parameter	2 mg - One Nasal Spray in one nostril 20 mg/ml (N=29)	4 mg - Two Nasal Sprays, one in each nostril 20 mg/ml (N=29)	4 mg - One Nasal Spray in one nostril 40 mg/ml (N=29)	8 mg -Two Nasal Sprays, one in each nostril 40 mg/ml (N=29)	0.4 mg Intramuscular Injection (N=29)
tmax (h)†	0.33 (0.25, 1.00)	0.33 (0.17, 0.57)	0.50 (0.17, 1.00)	0.33 (0.17, 1.00)	0.38 (0.08, 2.05)
Cmax (ng/mL)	2.91 (35)	6.30 (34)	4.83 (43)	9.70 (36)	0.88 (31)
AUCt (hr ng/mL)	4.60 (27)	9.64 (24)	7.87 (37)	15.3 (23)	1.75 (23)
AUCo-inf (h*n g/mL)	4.66 (27)	9.74 (24)	7.95 (37)	15.5 (23)	1.79 (23)
t½ (h)	1.85 (33)	2.19 (33)	2.08 (30)	2.10 (32)	1.24 (26)
Dose normalized Relative BA (%) vs. IM	51.7 (22)	54.0 (23)	44.2 (31)tt	43.1 (24)	100
† tmax reported as median (minimum, maximum) †† N=28 for Relative BA.

Figure 1 : Mean ± SD Plasma Concentration of Naloxone, (a) 0-6 h and (b) 0-1h Following Intranasal Administration and Intramuscular Injection

Mean ± SD Plasma Concentration of
Naloxone, (a) 0-6 h and (b) 0-1h Following Intranasal Administration and
Intramuscular Injection - Illustration

The median naloxone tmax after intranasal administration of NARCAN Nasal Spray (one nasal spray in one nostril (2 mg or 4 mg) or two nasal sprays as one spray in each nostril (4 mg or 8 mg) was not significantly different compared to the 0.4 mg dose of naloxone hydrochloride intramuscular injection (Table 1).

The dose normalized relative bioavailability of one dose (2 mg or 4 mg) or two doses (4 mg or 8 mg) of NARCAN Nasal Spray as compared to the 0.4 mg dose of naloxone hydrochloride administered by intramuscular injection was 52%, 44%, 54%, and 43%, respectively.

Distribution

Following parenteral administration, naloxone is distributed in the body and readily crosses the placenta. Plasma protein binding occurs but is relatively weak. Plasma albumin is the major binding constituent, but significant binding of naloxone also occurs to plasma constituents other than albumin. It is not known whether naloxone is excreted into human milk.

Elimination

Following a single intranasal administration of NARCAN Nasal Spray (2 mg or 4 mg dose of naloxone hydrochloride), the mean plasma half-life of naloxone in healthy adults was approximately 1.85 (33% CV) hours and 2.08 (30% CV) hours; respectively, which was longer than that observed after administrations of a 0.4 mg naloxone hydrochloride intramuscular injection, where the half-life was 1.24 hours (26% CV). In a neonatal study of naloxone hydrochloride injection, the mean (± SD) plasma half-life was observed to be 3.1 (± 0.5) hours.

Metabolism

Naloxone hydrochloride is metabolized in the liver, primarily by glucuronide conjugation, with naloxone-3-glucoronide as the major metabolite.

Excretion

After an oral or intravenous dose, about 25-40% of naloxone is excreted as metabolites in urine within 6 hours, about 50% in 24 hours, and 60-70% in 72 hours.

Medication Guide

PATIENT INFORMATION

NARCAN
(narÂ´ kan)
(naloxone hydrochloride) Nasal Spray

You and your family members or caregivers should read this Patient Information leaflet before an opioid emergency happens. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.

What is the most important information I should know about NARCAN Nasal Spray?

NARCAN Nasal Spray is used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid medicines. The medicine in NARCAN Nasal Spray has no effect in people who are not taking opioid medicines. Always carry NARCAN Nasal Spray with you in case of an opioid emergency.

1. Use NARCAN Nasal Spray right away if you or your caregiver think signs or symptoms of an opioid emergency are present, even if you are not sure, because an opioid emergency can cause severe injury or death. Signs and symptoms of an opioid emergency may include:

unusual sleepiness and you are not able to awaken the person with a loud voice or by rubbing firmly on the middle of their chest (sternum)
breathing problems including slow or shallow breathing in someone difficult to awaken or who looks lke they are not breathing
the black circle in the center of the colored part of the eye (pupil) is very small, sometimes called “pinpoint pupils,” in someone difficult to awaken

2. Family members, caregivers, or other people who may have to use NARCAN Nasal Spray in an opioid emergency should know where NARCAN Nasal Spray is stored and how to give NARCAN before an opioid emergency happens.

3. Get emergency medical help right away after giving the first dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray. Rescue breathing or CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) may be given while waiting for emergency medical help.

4. The signs and symptoms of an opioid emergency can return after NARCAN Nasal Spray is given. If this happens, give another dose after 2 to 3 minutes using a new NARCAN Nasal Spray and watch the person closely until emergency help is received.

What is NARCAN Nasal Spray?

NARCAN Nasal Spray is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of an opioid emergency such as an overdose or a possible opioid overdose with signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or not being able to respond.
NARCAN Nasal Spray is to be given right away and does not take the place of emergency medical care. Get emergency medical help right away after giving the first dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray, even if the person wakes up.
NARCAN Nasal Spray is safe and effective in children for known or suspected opioid overdose.

Who should not use NARCAN Nasal Spray?

Do not use NARCAN Nasal Spray if you are allergic to naloxone hydrochloride or any of the ingredients in NARCAN Nasal Spray. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in NARCAN Nasal Spray.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using NARCAN Nasal Spray?

Before using NARCAN Nasal Spray, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

have heart problems
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use of NARCAN Nasal Spray may cause withdrawal symptoms in your unborn baby. Your unborn baby should be examined by a healthcare provider right away after you use NARCAN Nasal Spray.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if NARCAN Nasal Spray passes into your breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

How should I use NARCAN Nasal Spray?

Read the “Instructions for Use” at the end of this Patient Information leaflet for detailed information about the right way to use NARCAN Nasal Spray.

Use NARCAN Nasal Spray exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Each NARCAN Nasal Spray contains only 1 dose of medicine and cannot be reused.
NARCAN Nasal Spray comes in a 2 mg and 4 mg strength. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the one that is right for you.
Lay the person on their back. Support their neck with your hand and allow the head to tilt back before giving NARCAN Nasal Spray.
NARCAN Nasal Spray should be given into one nostril.
If additional doses are needed, give NARCAN Nasal Spray in the other nostril.

What are the possible side effects of NARCAN Nasal Spray?

NARCAN Nasal Spray may cause serious side effects, including:

Sudden opioid withdrawal symptoms. In someone who has been using opioids regularly, opioid withdrawal symptoms can happen suddenly after receiving NARCAN Nasal Spray and may include:
- body aches
- diarrhea
- increased heart rate
- fever
- runny nose
- sneezing
- goose bumps
- sweating
- yawning
- nausea or vomiting
- nervousness
- restlessness or irritability
- shivering or trembling
- stomach cramping
- weakness
- increased blood pressure

These are not all of the possible side effects of NARCAN Nasal Spray. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store NARCAN Nasal Spray?

Store below 77°F (25°C).
Excursions permitted up to 104°F (40°C)
Do not freeze or expose to excessive heat above 104°F (40°C).'
Keep NARCAN Nasal Spray in its box until ready to use. Protect from light.
Replace NARCAN Nasal Spray before the expiration date on the box.

Keep NARCAN Nasal Spray and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of NARCAN Nasal Spray.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use NARCAN Nasal Spray for a condition for which it was not prescribed. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about NARCAN Nasal Spray that is written for health professionals.

What are the ingredients in NARCAN Nasal Spray?

Active ingredient: naloxone hydrochloride

Inactive ingredients: benzalkonium chloride (preservative), disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (stabilizer), sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid to adjust pH and sterile water NARCAN Nasal Spray is not made with natural rubber latex.

Instructions for Use

NARCAN
(narÂ´ kan)
(naloxone hydrochloride) Nasal Spray

You and your family members or caregivers should read the Instructions for Use that comes with NARCAN Nasal Spray before using it. Talk to your healthcare provider if you and your family members or caregivers have any questions about the use of NARCAN Nasal Spray.

Use NARCAN Nasal Spray for known or suspected opioid overdose in adults and children.

Important: For use in the nose only.

Do not remove or test the NARCAN Nasal Spray until ready to use.
Each NARCAN Nasal Spray has 1 dose and cannot be reused.
You do not need to prime NARCAN Nasal Spray.

How to use NARCAN Nasal Spray:

Step 1. Lay the person on their back to receive a dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray.

Step 2. Remove NARCAN Nasal Spray from the box. Peel back the tab with the circle to open the NARCAN Nasal Spray.

Remove NARCAN Nasal Spray
from the box. Peel back the tab with the circle to open the NARCAN Nasal Spray - Illustration

Note: NARCAN Nasal Spray freezes at temperatures below 5°F (-15°C). If this happens, the device will not spray. Get emergency medical help right away if this happens. Do not wait for NARCAN Nasal Spray to thaw. NARCAN Nasal Spray may still be used if it has been thawed after being previously frozen.

Step 3. Hold the NARCAN Nasal Spray with your thumb on the bottom of the red plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.

Hold the NARCAN Nasal
Spray with your thumb on the bottom of the red plunger and your first and
middle fingers on either side of the nozzle - Illustration

Step 4. Tilt the personâ€™s head back and provide support under the neck with your hand. Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the personâ€™s nose.

Tilt the personâ€™s head
back and provide support under the neck with your hand - Illustration

Step 5. Press the red plunger firmly to give the dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray.

Press the red plunger
firmly to give the dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray - Illustration

Step 6. Remove the NARCAN Nasal Spray from the nostril after giving the dose.

What to do after NARCAN Nasal Spray has been used:

Step 7. Get emergency medical help right away.

Move the person on their side (recovery position) after giving NARCAN Nasal Spray.

Move the person on their side (recovery position)
after giving NARCAN Nasal Spray - Illustration

Watch the person closely.
If the person does not respond by waking up, to voice or touch, or breathing normally another dose may be given. NARCAN Nasal Spray may be dosed every 2 to 3 minutes, if available.
Repeat Steps 2 through 6 using a new NARCAN Nasal Spray to give another dose in the other nostril. If additional NARCAN Nasal Sprays are available, Steps 2 through 6 may be repeated every 2 to 3 minutes until the person responds or emergency medical help is received.

Step 8. Put the used NARCAN Nasal Spray back into its box.

Step 9. Throw away (dispose of) the used NARCAN Nasal Spray in a place that is away from children.

How should I store NARCAN Nasal Spray?

Store below 77°F (25°C).
Excursions permitted up to 104°F (40°C).
Do not freeze or expose to excessive heat above 104°F (40°C).
Keep NARCAN Nasal Spray in the box until ready to use. Protect from light.
Replace NARCAN Nasal Spray before the expiration date on the box.

Keep NARCAN Nasal Spray and all medicines out of the reach of children.

This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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