Final answer:
Narcan is administered to reverse opioid overdoses and works by antagonizing opioid effects. It is not effective orally and should be administered via intranasal or intravenous routes for emergency treatment of respiratory depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Narcan (Naloxone) is used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression. It rapidly antagonizes the effects of opioids and is commonly administered via parenteral routes. These routes include intranasal, intravenous, and subcutaneous administrations, with intranasal being a common choice for its ease of use in emergency situations. Narcan is not effective orally due to its pharmacokinetic properties; it must be administered through one of the parenteral routes to work effectively.
To administer Narcan for opioid-induced respiratory depression, one would typically use the intranasal or intravenous route. The intranasal route involves spraying the medication into the nostrils, where it is rapidly absorbed through the nasal mucosa. Intravenous administration is the quickest way to deliver the drug into the bloodstream but requires technical skill to perform correctly. Subcutaneous administration is less commonly used but is another parenteral option. For a rapid response, especially in emergency situations, intranasal and intravenous routes are preferred. They provide quick delivery and onset of action, which is crucial for reversing life-threatening opioid overdose symptoms.