How much Narcan should be administered to a patient?

The recommended initial dose of Narcan (naloxone) for treating opioid overdose in adults is typically 2 mg. This dose can effectively reverse the effects of opioids and restore normal respiration in a patient experiencing respiratory depression. If the initial dose is not effective, it is common practice to administer additional doses at 2 mg increments every 2-3 minutes as necessary, until the patient responds or emergency medical services arrive.

Administering 2 mg strikes a balance between efficacy and safety, providing a more appropriate starting point in most clinical situations compared to lower doses or larger increments. It is also important to recognize that the administration route can affect how the drug works, with intranasal delivery being a common method in pre-hospital settings. This initial dosing protocol is aligned with guidelines provided for opioid overdose management within emergency and first responder settings.