Fast-Acting Nasal Spray Reverses Opioid Overdose

A nasal spray formulation of naloxone acts as a swift reversal agent for emergency treatment of opioid overdose.

A product of Adapt Pharma (Radnor, PA, USA), The Narcan nasal spray device delivers a 4 mg dose of naloxone hydrochloride in a single 0.1 ml aerosol spray, preferably while the patient is lying on his or her back. It is indicated for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose, as manifested by respiratory and/or central nervous system (CNS) depression. Clinical trials have demonstrated that when used as directed, blood levels of naloxone are similar to those achieved with naloxone injectors.


The ready-to-use, needle-free device requires no assembly or priming prior to use, and can be administered in an emergency by family members, caregivers, or others to reverse the effects of opioid overdose until help arrives. Since an opioid overdose may cause brain damage or death, Narcan should be administered as quickly as possible if a patient is unresponsive and an opioid overdose is suspected, even when in doubt. If the desired response is not obtained after 2 or 3 minutes, an additional dose of Narcan nasal spray should be administered.

“Opioid overdose is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans in communities throughout the country, leaving a trail of devastation for friends and families,” said Seamus Mulligan, Chairman and CEO of Adapt Pharma. “This new device makes naloxone readily available for emergency use by a friend, family member or caregiver, as well as offering an alternative treatment option for first responders and healthcare providers. It gives new hope to those concerned about the potentially fatal effects of opioid overdose.”

“Combating the opioid abuse epidemic is a top priority for the FDA; we cannot stand by while Americans are dying. Use of the nasal spray requires no special training and it is an important new alternative for family members,” said acting FDA Commissioner Stephen Ostroff, MD. “While naloxone will not solve the underlying problems of the opioid epidemic, we are speeding to review new formulations that will ultimately save lives that might otherwise be lost to drug addiction and overdose.”

Naloxone is used to counter the effects of opioid overdose, for example heroin or morphine, and is specifically used to counteract life-threatening depression of the CNS and respiratory system. It has been used for more than 40 years for reversal of respiratory depression due to opioid overdose, but has been primarily used by emergency medical services (EMS) in injection form.

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