Do I need a prescription to get naloxone?

No. Naloxone nasal spray (Narcan) is available over the counter at pharmacies across the United States. You do not need a prescription, an ID check, or a reason.

It can be. Most state health departments and harm-reduction nonprofits mail it for free. Medicaid covers it in every state, usually with no copay. Over the counter at a pharmacy it typically costs $45–65.

Will I get in trouble for calling 911?

Almost always, no. All 50 states now have a Good Samaritan overdose law that protects the person who calls for help from drug-possession charges. Wyoming was the last to enact one, in 2025. The exact protections and limits differ by state, so check yours.

Does naloxone work on fentanyl?

Yes. Naloxone reverses opioid overdoses, including fentanyl. Strong fentanyl overdoses sometimes need a second dose two to three minutes after the first. Always call 911.

Can I give naloxone to someone who isn't overdosing?

Yes, it is safe. Naloxone only affects opioids. If the person is not overdosing on opioids, it will not hurt them. It simply will not do anything.

How long does naloxone last?

About 30 to 90 minutes. Long-acting opioids can outlast a single dose, which is why you always call 911 after giving it.

Updated regularly · All 50 states

Naloxone, near you.
Free or low-cost, in every state.

Pick your state to see the fastest way to get it, what it costs, where to go, and what the law actually protects.

← Change state

Naloxone in California

Pharmacist Furnishing ProtocolGood Samaritan law: yesVerified Jul 11, 2026

Your fastest option

Pharmacy (ask for furnishing) or County Health Dept.

At a pharmacy

How it's dispensed: Pharmacists furnish under protocol.
Medicaid: Medi-Cal covers ($0 copay).
Typical cost: OTC ~$45-65

Free by mail

NEXT DistroVisit website ↗ (opens in new tab)
Free

Local programs

DHCS Naloxone Distribution ProjectFree bulk naloxone for qualifying organizationsVisit website ↗ (opens in new tab)
Santa Barbara Opioid CoalitionLocal distribution and trainingVisit website ↗ (opens in new tab)

If a link here stops working

Programs and websites change. These free phone lines work nationwide and can point you to naloxone near you, no internet needed.

SAMHSA National HelplineFree, confidential, 24/7, in English & Spanish. Finds naloxone and treatment in any state.1-800-662-4357
988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text, 24/7.988
If someone is overdosing right nowEmergency services.911

What the Good Samaritan law actually covers

Broad protection for caller/victim.

Known barriers & workarounds

Cost is main barrier; use free programs.

Near a border?

Access and laws change at the state line. If you live near one of these, check there too.

Arizona Nevada Oregon

If someone is overdosing right now

Four calm steps.

1

Call 911.

Say "I think this is an opioid overdose." Stay on the line. Every state has a Good Samaritan law that can protect you for calling. The details vary, and you can see yours above.
2

Give one spray of naloxone in one nostril.

Tilt their head back. Insert the nozzle. Press the plunger all the way down. That is the full dose. Do not prime it first.
3

If no response in 2–3 minutes, give another spray.

Use the other nostril. Fentanyl overdoses often need two doses. It's safe to give more.
4

Lay them on their side and wait with them.

This is the recovery position. It keeps their airway clear. Stay until paramedics arrive.

Naloxone cannot hurt someone who isn't on opioids. If you are unsure, give it anyway.

Print a card to carry →

About naloxone

A medicine that gives someone their breath back.

Naloxone, often sold as Narcan, is a nasal spray that reverses an opioid overdose within minutes. It works on heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, methadone, and every other opioid. It does nothing to people who don't have opioids in their system, which is why it's safe to carry and safe to use when you aren't sure.

In 2023 the FDA made it available over the counter. You do not need a prescription, an ID, or a reason. You do not need to explain yourself at the pharmacy counter. One box holds two doses.

Carrying naloxone is not a sign that something is wrong in your life. It is the same reason people learn CPR: because the minutes before an ambulance arrives are the minutes that matter.

What it costs

Three honest facts about price.

Free: almost every state health department and harm-reduction nonprofit will mail you a kit at no charge. Many do not ask for your name.
$0 with Medicaid: every state's Medicaid program covers naloxone, usually with no copay.
$45-65 over the counter: the pharmacy price without insurance. It is the most expensive way to get it.

Common questions

Straight answers.

Do I need a prescription?

No. Naloxone nasal spray is over the counter at every major pharmacy chain.

Will I get arrested if I call 911?

Almost certainly not. All 50 states now have a Good Samaritan overdose law that shields people who call for help. Wyoming was the last to pass one, in 2025. How much they protect varies (some cover only the caller, or only small amounts), so select your state above to see exactly what's protected.

Does it work on fentanyl?

Yes. Fentanyl is stronger, so strong overdoses sometimes need a second dose two to three minutes after the first. Call 911 first, give naloxone, give another if they don't respond.

What if I give it to someone who isn't overdosing?

Nothing happens. Naloxone only affects opioids. If they aren't on opioids, it will not hurt them.

Does it expire?

Yes, but most states' Good Samaritan laws protect you even if you use expired naloxone. Expired naloxone is still better than no naloxone.

I don't use opioids. Should I carry it?

Yes, if you can. Most overdoses happen in front of someone who isn't using. Keep one kit at home and one in your bag. Teach the people you live with.

Naloxone, near you.Free or low-cost, in every state.