How frequently can Narcan be repeated?

Narcan, or naloxone, is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdoses. The recommendations for administration frequency are based on the pharmacodynamics of naloxone, which means how the drug works in the body.

Repeating the administration of Narcan every 2 minutes is correct because, in cases of opioid overdose, the effects of opioids can last longer than naloxone, which has a comparatively shorter half-life. It is appropriate to re-administer naloxone at this interval until the patient responds or emergency medical services are able to take over.

This timing allows enough space to assess the effectiveness of each dose while ensuring the patient's safety and responsiveness. If there is no significant improvement or responsiveness after the repeat doses, further medical assistance is necessary, as this may indicate a need for additional interventions beyond what naloxone can provide.