Narcan is also known as which medication?

• A. Nalaxone
• B. Naltrexone
• C. Naloxone
• D. Nalidixic acid

Answer: (A)

Narcan is the brand name for naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist used to rapidly reverse life-threatening opioid overdose. It works by competitively binding to mu-opioid receptors (and to a lesser extent kappa and delta receptors), displacing the opioid molecules and quickly restoring breathing and consciousness. It acts quickly, often within minutes, but its duration can be shorter than some opioids, so repeated dosing or monitoring is sometimes needed to prevent re-narcotization. The correct spelling is naloxone. Nalaxone is a common misspelling; naltrexone is another opioid antagonist but is longer-acting and used for addiction maintenance rather than acute overdose; nalidixic acid is an unrelated antibiotic.