What Is NARCAN® Nasal Spray and Why Do Some Workplaces Stock It?

Opioid emergencies can happen anywhere: at home, in public spaces, at events, in vehicles, and at workplaces. For businesses, schools, community organizations, transportation providers, hospitality locations, and public-facing workplaces, emergency readiness is no longer limited to bandages, gloves, and AEDs. Some organizations are also choosing to keep NARCAN® Nasal Spray, also known as naloxone nasal spray, available as part of a broader emergency response plan.

NARCAN® Nasal Spray is an over-the-counter naloxone product used for the emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved NARCAN® 4 mg naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for nonprescription, over-the-counter use in 2023, making it the first naloxone product approved by the FDA for use without a prescription. [1]

What Is NARCAN® Nasal Spray?

NARCAN® Nasal Spray contains naloxone hydrochloride, a medication used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The product label identifies NARCAN® Nasal Spray as naloxone hydrochloride 4 mg and lists its purpose as the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. [2]

Opioid overdoses can involve prescription pain medications or street drugs such as heroin, and the danger is that opioids can slow or stop breathing. Naloxone works by temporarily blocking or reversing the effects of opioids, which can help restore breathing long enough for emergency medical care to arrive. [3]

NARCAN® Nasal Spray is administered in the nose. Each nasal spray device contains one dose and sprays one time only. The product label also states that the device should not be tested before use because doing so would use the dose. [2]

Why Do Some Workplaces Stock NARCAN®?

Workplaces stock naloxone for the same reason they stock AEDs, bleeding control supplies, first aid kits, and emergency eyewash: emergencies can happen before professional responders arrive.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH, has published guidance to help employers and workers understand opioid overdose risk and decide whether to establish a workplace naloxone availability and use program. NIOSH notes that naloxone is a very effective drug for reversing opioid overdoses and that some non-emergency professional responders carry it for that purpose. [4]

For many employers, the decision to stock NARCAN® is not about expecting a problem. It is about being prepared for a possible emergency involving an employee, customer, visitor, contractor, patient, student, traveler, or member of the public.

Workplaces that may consider stocking naloxone include:

• Offices and corporate facilities

• Warehouses and distribution centers

• Transportation and fleet operations

• Hotels, restaurants, and public-facing businesses

• Schools, churches, and community centers

• Gyms, recreation facilities, and event spaces

• Construction, industrial, and remote worksites

• Security, public service, and emergency response teams

What Are Signs of a Possible Opioid Overdose?

NARCAN® product directions tell users to check for a suspected overdose when a person will not wake up, is very sleepy, or is not breathing well. The label instructs users to yell “Wake up,” gently shake the person, give the first dose in the nose if the person does not wake up, and call 911 immediately after giving the first dose. [2]

A suspected opioid overdose is a medical emergency. NARCAN® is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Even if the person wakes up after receiving naloxone, emergency responders should still be called and the person should be monitored until help arrives. The NARCAN® label instructs users to stay with the person until an ambulance arrives and to give another dose if the person becomes very sleepy again. [2]

Why Two Doses Matter

Many NARCAN® kits are supplied as two-dose packs. That matters because a person may not wake up after the first dose, or they may become very sleepy again before emergency help arrives. The product label instructs users to wait two to three minutes after the first dose to give the medicine time to work, and if the person does not wake up, to continue giving doses every two to three minutes until the person wakes up. [2]

This is one reason workplace programs should think beyond simply buying the product. Storage location, staff awareness, training, and a clear emergency response process are all important.

What Should a Workplace Consider Before Stocking NARCAN®?

Adding NARCAN® to a workplace emergency program should be done thoughtfully. Businesses and organizations should consider:

1. Placement and access
NARCAN® should be easy to find in an emergency. Some organizations store it near AEDs, first aid cabinets, security desks, front counters, break rooms, vehicle kits, or emergency response stations.

2. Training and awareness
Although the product is designed for emergency use, staff should still know where it is located, when it may be needed, how to call 911, and what the organization’s emergency action plan requires.

3. Written policy
A simple written policy can clarify where NARCAN® is stored, who may access it, when to call 911, how to report use, and who checks expiration dates.

4. Inspection and expiration tracking
Like AED pads, batteries, medications, and first aid supplies, NARCAN® should be checked regularly. Expired, damaged, frozen, overheated, opened, or otherwise compromised products should be addressed according to product labeling and workplace policy.

5. Storage conditions
The NARCAN® label says to store the product at room temperature or refrigerated between 36°F and 77°F, not to freeze it, to avoid excessive heat above 104°F, and to protect it from light. [2]

6. Local and state requirements
Employers should review applicable laws, workplace policies, industry rules, and organizational requirements before implementing a naloxone program.

What About Alaska?

In Alaska, the Department of Health’s Project HOPE provides naloxone through a medical standing order under Alaska Statute 17.20.085. Approved Overdose Response Programs can distribute naloxone to people at risk of opioid overdose or people in a position to assist them. The State of Alaska also notes that Project HOPE kits include two doses of Narcan®, gloves, a brochure on how to give Narcan®, and a carrying case. [5]

For Alaska businesses, this reinforces the larger point: naloxone access is part of community emergency readiness. Businesses that serve the public, operate in remote areas, manage large worksites, or maintain emergency response supplies may want to consider whether NARCAN® belongs in their safety program.

Is NARCAN® a Replacement for Training?

No. NARCAN® can be an important emergency tool, but it should not replace training, emergency planning, or calling 911.

A strong workplace readiness program may include:

• First aid cabinet restocking

• CPR/AED and First Aid training

• AED program management

• Bleeding control supplies and training

• Emergency action planning

• NARCAN® access and staff awareness

• Clear documentation and inspection procedures

The goal is not just to own emergency supplies. The goal is to make sure people know where those supplies are, when to use them, and what to do next.

Should Your Workplace Stock NARCAN®?

There is no single answer for every business. Some workplaces may decide NARCAN® is appropriate because they serve the public, operate in higher-risk environments, host events, manage large teams, work in transportation, maintain security staff, or want a broader emergency response program. Others may need to review internal policies, legal requirements, insurance concerns, or medical oversight before making a decision.

A good starting point is to ask:

• Could an opioid emergency happen at our workplace, facility, event, or jobsite?

• Would staff know how to recognize a suspected overdose?

• Would staff know where NARCAN® is located?

• Would staff know to call 911 immediately?

• Who checks expiration dates and storage conditions?

• Should NARCAN® be added to our first aid cabinet, AED station, security desk, or emergency kit?

Alpenglow Can Help

Alpenglow Readiness Supply helps businesses and organizations think through workplace emergency readiness, first aid restocking, AED program management, training, and safety supply needs.

If your organization is considering NARCAN® Nasal Spray, first aid cabinet updates, emergency response supplies, or employee training, contact Alpenglow Readiness Supply to ask about product availability, bulk pricing, restocking support, and workplace readiness options.

Call: (907) 887-4044
Email: info@alpenglowsupplyak.com
Website: alpenglowsupplyak.com
Based in Anchorage, Alaska

Sources

[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration — FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray
[2] DailyMed — NARCAN® Naloxone Hydrochloride Nasal Spray 4 mg Drug Label
[3] CDC — Lifesaving Naloxone / Stop Overdose
[4] NIOSH / CDC — Total Worker Health Naloxone Factsheet
[5] State of Alaska Department of Health — Project HOPE: Get Naloxone Opioid Overdose Rescue Kit