GPT on Question 16, Sep 16

Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist. It rapidly displaces opioids—such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, or methadone—from mu-opioid receptors, restoring the brain’s drive to breathe. It usually works within 2–3 minutes but lasts only 30–90 minutes, often less time than the opioid, so overdose symptoms can return.

When a bystander should use it

Give naloxone immediately if opioid overdose is possible and the person:

• •Cannot be awakened or is unusually limp
• •Is breathing very slowly, irregularly, or not at all
• •Has choking, gurgling, or unusual “snoring” sounds
• •Has blue/gray lips or fingertips
• •Has pinpoint pupils, especially with other signs

If unsure, use it. Naloxone generally will not harm someone whose symptoms are not caused by opioids.

What to do

• 1.Call emergency services immediately and say the person is not breathing or may have overdosed.
• 2.Give naloxone according to the device instructions—commonly one nasal spray into one nostril.
• 3.Support breathing: give rescue breaths if trained; start CPR if there is no normal breathing or pulse, following dispatcher instructions. Use an AED if available.
• 4.If there is no response after 2–3 minutes, give another dose, alternating nostrils if using nasal spray. Continue repeat dosing as supplies and product directions allow; fentanyl may require multiple doses.
• 5.Once breathing normally, place the person on their side and stay with them until help arrives.

Naloxone can trigger sudden opioid withdrawal—agitation, nausea, sweating, or vomiting—but this is preferable to a fatal overdose. Do not let the person “sleep it off”; breathing can slow again after naloxone wears off.