Which statement about Narcan administration is true?

• A. It has to be given intravenously to work
• B. It can only be used in hospital settings
• C. It cannot be repeated after initial dose
• D. It may be repeated if indicated

Answer: (D)

Naloxone reverses opioid toxicity by competing for opioid receptors, and its effect can wear off while opioids are still active in the body. Because some opioids last longer or are more potent (like long-acting or synthetic fentanyl-type opioids), a single dose may not provide full, lasting reversal. That’s why the statement that it may be repeated if indicated is true. In practice, naloxone can be given by several routes (intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous, or intranasal) and does not have to be given intravenously to work. It is not restricted to hospital settings, and clinicians and first responders commonly administer additional doses if symptoms return or respiration remains impaired after the first dose. Be aware that repeated dosing can precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent individuals, so monitoring and reassessment are important.