Narcan nasal application receives FDA approval

The new nasal delivery system allows Narcan to go directly into the lungs and nervous system.
The new nasal delivery system allows Narcan to go directly into the lungs and nervous system. | File photo
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given approval for the use of Narcan, an emergency treatment medication to counteract heroin overdoses, in a nasal spray form.
Last year the FDA approved Narcan to be administered intravenously, and it was made available in February 2016 after an expedited review. New dosages are also part of the approval, with 2mg and 4mg being recommended in suspected overdose cases.
The new nasal delivery system allows Narcan to go directly into the lungs and nervous system for rapid response and countermeasures to heroin overdoses.