They bind the same receptors in the cells. Opiates bind and activate (agonist), leading to reduced pain, but also things like reduced breathing if you take to much.
Narcan binds the same receptor, but it is an antagonist. It binds, and doesn’t activate the receptor. It also binds more tightly than other things like fentanyl or heroin, so it stops those drugs from binding and causing overdose symptoms.
Of note, it has a pretty short half life, so you need to keep redosing it in cases of overdose.
They bind the same receptors in the cells. Opiates bind and activate (agonist), leading to reduced pain, but also things like reduced breathing if you take to much.
Narcan binds the same receptor, but it is an antagonist. It binds, and doesn’t activate the receptor. It also binds more tightly than other things like fentanyl or heroin, so it stops those drugs from binding and causing overdose symptoms.
Of note, it has a pretty short half life, so you need to keep redosing it in cases of overdose.
They bind the same receptors in the cells. Opiates bind and activate (agonist), leading to reduced pain, but also things like reduced breathing if you take to much.
Narcan binds the same receptor, but it is an antagonist. It binds, and doesn’t activate the receptor. It also binds more tightly than other things like fentanyl or heroin, so it stops those drugs from binding and causing overdose symptoms.
Of note, it has a pretty short half life, so you need to keep redosing it in cases of overdose.
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