Opioid overdose resident survival guide: Difference between revisions

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==Definition==
==Overview==
Opioid overdose is defined as an acute condition due to excessive use of [[opioids]]/[[narcotics]].
Opioid overdose is defined as an acute condition due to excessive use of [[opioids]]/[[narcotics]].


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===Common Causes===
===Common Causes===
* Accidental overdose
* Accidental overdose
* Simultaneous use with other illicit drugs, sedative hypnotics
* Simultaneous use with other illicit drugs, [[sedative hypnotics]]
* Rupture of package inside body cavity in [[body packers]], [[body stuffers]]
* Rupture of package inside body cavity in [[body packers]], [[body stuffers]]


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{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | A01 |A01=<div style="float: left; text-align: left"> '''Characterize the symptoms:'''  <br> ❑ Abdominal cramps <br> ❑ Constipation <br> ❑ Difficulty in breathing <br> ❑ Drowsiness <br> ❑ Dry mouth <br> ❑ Stupor </div> }}  
{{familytree | | | | | | | | A01 |A01=<div style="float: left; text-align: left; padding:1em"> '''Characterize the symptoms:'''  <br> ❑ [[Abdominal cramps]] <br> ❑ [[Constipation]] <br> ❑ Difficulty in breathing <br> ❑ [[Drowsiness]] <br> ❑ Dry mouth <br> ❑ [[Seizure]]<ref name="Talaie-2009">{{Cite journal  | last1 = Talaie | first1 = H. | last2 = Panahandeh | first2 = R. | last3 = Fayaznouri | first3 = M. | last4 = Asadi | first4 = Z. | last5 = Abdollahi | first5 = M. | title = Dose-independent occurrence of seizure with tramadol. | journal = J Med Toxicol | volume = 5 | issue = 2 | pages = 63-7 | month = Jun | year = 2009 | doi =  | PMID = 19415589 }}</ref>
<ref name="Kaiko-1983">{{Cite journal  | last1 = Kaiko | first1 = RF. | last2 = Foley | first2 = KM. | last3 = Grabinski | first3 = PY. | last4 = Heidrich | first4 = G. | last5 = Rogers | first5 = AG. | last6 = Inturrisi | first6 = CE. | last7 = Reidenberg | first7 = MM. | title = Central nervous system excitatory effects of meperidine in cancer patients. | journal = Ann Neurol | volume = 13 | issue = 2 | pages = 180-5 | month = Feb | year = 1983 | doi = 10.1002/ana.410130213 | PMID = 6187275 }}</ref> <br> ❑ [[Stupor]] </div> }}  
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | B01 | | | | | | | |B01= <div style="float: left; text-align: left">'''Examine the patient:''' <br> ❑ '''Bradypnea/apnea''' <br> ❑ Cyanosis nails and lips <br> ❑ Decreased bowel sounds <br> ❑ Decreased heart rate <br> ❑ Decreased neurological status <br> ❑ Hypothermia <br> ❑ Miosis <br> ❑ Presence of one or more fentanyl patches <br> Shallow and deep respiration </div> }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | B01 | | | | | | | |B01= <div style="float: left; text-align: left; padding:1em">'''Examine the patient:''' <br> ❑ '''[[Bradypnea]]/[[apnea]]''' <br> ❑ [[Cyanosis]] - nails and lips <br> ❑ Decreased [[bowel sounds]] <br> ❑ Decreased [[heart rate]] <br> ❑ Depressed neurological status <br> ❑ [[Hypothermia]] <br> ❑ [[Miosis]] <br> ❑ Presence of one or more [[fentanyl]] patches <br> Shallow and deep respiration </div> }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | C01 | | | | |C01= <div style="float: left; text-align: left">'''Consider alternative diagnosis:''' <br> ❑ Gammahydroxybutyrate/gammabutyrolactone overdose <br> ❑ Alcohol intoxication <br> ❑ Sedative hypnotics <br> ❑ Phencyclidine (PCP) overdose <br> ❑ Ketamine overdose </div>}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | C01 | | | | |C01= <div style="float: left; text-align: left; padding:1em">'''Consider alternative diagnosis:''' <br> ❑ [[GHB|Gammahydroxybutyrate/gammabutyrolactone]] overdose <br> ❑ [[Alcohol]] intoxication <br> ❑ [[Sedative hypnotics]] <br> ❑ [[PCP|Phencyclidine (PCP)]] overdose <br> ❑ [[Ketamine]] overdose </div>}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | D01 | | | | |D01= <div style="float: left; text-align: left">'''Diagnostic triad:''' (not present in all the cases) <br> ❑ Miosis <br> ❑ Respiratory depression <br> ❑ Stupor </div>}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | D01 | | | | |D01= <div style="float: left; text-align: left; padding:1em">'''Diagnostic triad:''' (not present in all the cases)<ref name="Hoffman-1991">{{Cite journal  | last1 = Hoffman | first1 = JR. | last2 = Schriger | first2 = DL. | last3 = Luo | first3 = JS. | title = The empiric use of naloxone in patients with altered mental status: a reappraisal. | journal = Ann Emerg Med | volume = 20 | issue = 3 | pages = 246-52 | month = Mar | year = 1991 | doi =  | PMID = 1996818 }}</ref>
<br> ❑ [[Miosis]] <br> ❑ [[Respiratory depression]] (Rate < 12/min) <br> ❑ [[Stupor]] </div>}}
{{familytree/end }}
{{familytree/end }}


<br>
<br>


Shown below is an alogorithm summarizing the basic approach to naloxone (Narcan) administration:
 
===Initial Management===
===Initial Management===
Shown below is an alogorithm summarizing the basic approach to [[naloxone]] (Narcan) administration:<ref name="-1988">{{Cite journal  | title = American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs: Emergency drug doses for infants and children. | journal = Pediatrics | volume = 81 | issue = 3 | pages = 462-5 | month = Mar | year = 1988 | doi =  | PMID = 3422026 }}</ref><ref name="Boyer-2012">{{Cite journal  | last1 = Boyer | first1 = EW. | title = Management of opioid analgesic overdose. | journal = N Engl J Med | volume = 367 | issue = 2 | pages = 146-55 | month = Jul | year = 2012 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMra1202561 | PMID = 22784117 }}</ref>
<br>
<br>


{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | E01 |-|-|.| |E01= Administer naloxone IV 0.04 mg in adults and <br> 0.1 mg/kg in pediatric patients stat, <br> Increase in respiratory rate ? }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | E01 |-|-|.| |E01=<div style="float: left; padding:1em"> Administer [[naloxone]] IV 0.04 mg in adults and <br> 0.1 mg/kg in pediatric patients stat, <br> Increase in respiratory rate ?</div> }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | F01 | | F02 |-| F03 | |F01=No|F02=Yes|F03=Observe}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | F01 | | F02 |-| F03 | |F01=No|F02=Yes|F03=Observe}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | G01 |-|-|.| |G01=Administer additional  naloxone IV 0.5 mg, <br> Increase in respiratory rate?}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | G01 |-|-|.| |G01=<div style="float: left; padding:1em">Administer additional  [[naloxone]] IV 0.5 mg, <br> Increase in respiratory rate?</div>}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | H01 | | H02 |-| H03 | |H01=No|H02=Yes|H03= Observe}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | H01 | | H02 |-| H03 | |H01=No|H02=Yes|H03= Observe}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | I01 |-|-|.| |I01=Administer additional  naloxone IV 2 mg, <br> Increase in respiratory rate?}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | I01 |-|-|.| |I01=<div style="float: left; padding:1em">Administer additional  [[naloxone]] IV 2 mg, <br> Increase in respiratory rate?</div>}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | J01 | | J02 |-| J03 | | |J01=No|J02=Yes|J03=Observe }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | J01 | | J02 |-| J03 | | |J01=No|J02=Yes|J03=Observe }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | K01 |-|-|.| |K01=Administer additional  naloxone IV 4 mg, <br> Increase in respiratory rate?}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | K01 |-|-|.| |K01=<div style="float: left; padding:1em">Administer additional  [[naloxone]] IV 4 mg, <br> Increase in respiratory rate?</div>}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | L01 | | L02 |-| L03 | | | |L01=No|L02=Yes|L03= Observe}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | L01 | | L02 |-| L03 | | | |L01=No|L02=Yes|L03= Observe}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | M01 |-|-|.| |M01=Administer additional  naloxone IV 10 mg, <br> Increase in respiratory rate?}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | M01 |-|-|.| |M01=<div style="float: left; padding:1em">Administer additional  [[naloxone]] IV 10 mg, <br> Increase in respiratory rate?</div>}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | J01 | | J02 |-| J03 | | | |J01=No|J02=Yes|J03=Observe}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | J01 | | J02 |-| J03 | | | |J01=No|J02=Yes|J03=Further management}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | M01 | | | | |M01=Administer additional  naloxone IV 15 mg}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | N01 | | | | |N01=Further management }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | M01 | | | | |M01=<div style="float: left; padding:1em">Consider other diagnostic possibilities </div>}}
{{familytree/end}}
{{familytree/end}}


<br>
<br>


===Futher Management===
Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the comprehensive approach to ICU management of patients with opioid overdose:<ref name="Boyer-2012">{{Cite journal  | last1 = Boyer | first1 = EW. | title = Management of opioid analgesic overdose. | journal = N Engl J Med | volume = 367 | issue = 2 | pages = 146-55 | month = Jul | year = 2012 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMra1202561 | PMID = 22784117 }}</ref>
Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the comprehensive approach to ICU management of patients with opioid overdose:<ref name="Boyer-2012">{{Cite journal  | last1 = Boyer | first1 = EW. | title = Management of opioid analgesic overdose. | journal = N Engl J Med | volume = 367 | issue = 2 | pages = 146-55 | month = Jul | year = 2012 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMra1202561 | PMID = 22784117 }}</ref>
===Futher Management===
<br>
<br>


{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | | | A01 | | | | | | |A01=Opioid overdose: Respiratory rate < 12/min }}
{{familytree | | | | | | A01 | | | | | | |A01=<div style="float: left; padding:1em">Opioid overdose: Respiratory rate < 12/min </div>}}
{{familytree | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | B01 | | | | | | |B01=Oxygenate with bag and mask, administer naloxone with a gradually increasing dose till reversal of respiratory depression is seen }}
{{familytree | | | | | | B01 | | | | | | |B01=<div style="float: left; padding:1em">Oxygenate with bag and mask, administer naloxone with a gradually increasing dose till reversal of respiratory depression is seen </div>}}
{{familytree | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | C01 | | | | | | |C01= History of use of morphine, fentanyl or other long acting opioids? }}
{{familytree | | | | | | C01 | | | | | | |C01= <div style="float: left; padding:1em">History of use of [[morphine]], [[fentanyl]] or other long acting opioids?</div> }}
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|^|-|-|.| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|^|-|-|.| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | D01 | | | | D02 | | | |D01=Yes|D02= No }}
{{familytree | | | D01 | | | | D02 | | | |D01=Yes|D02= No }}
Line 81: Line 82:
{{familytree | | | |!| | | G02 | | G03 | |G02=No|G03=Yes }}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | G02 | | G03 | |G02=No|G03=Yes }}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | }}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | }}
{{familytree | | | G01 |-| H01 | | |!| | |G01=Perform intubation, begin a continuous naloxone infusion|H01=Admit to ICU }}
{{familytree | | | G01 |-| H01 | | |!| | |G01=<div style="float: left; padding:1em">Perform intubation, begin a continuous naloxone infusion</div>|H01=Admit to ICU }}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | }}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | }}
{{familytree | | | I01 |-|-|-|-|-| I02 | |I01=Continue infusion till respiratory depression reversed, observe 4-6 hours after naloxone infusion is stopped|I02=Discharge patient, when awake & alert with stable vital signs }}
{{familytree | | | I01 |-|-|-|-|-| I02 | |I01=<div style="float: left; padding:1em">Continue infusion till respiratory depression reversed, observe 4-6 hours after naloxone infusion is stopped</div>|I02=<div style="float: left; padding:1em">Discharge patient, when awake & alert with stable vital signs</div> }}
{{familytree/end}}
{{familytree/end}}
==Do's==
* If intravenous access cannot be established, naloxone 2 mg, may be administered either intramuscularly (IM) or intra-nasal.
* Perform baseline studies such as [[complete blood count]] (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel, [[creatine kinase|creatine kinase level]], [[arterial blood gas]], chest X Ray to look out for pulmonary edema and abdominal X Ray if [[Body stuffers|body stuffing/packaging]] is suspected but only after reversal of respiratory depression and when patient has been stabilized.
* Look out for following complications and treat them:
:* [[Pulmonary edema]]: Consider and evaluate if [[hypoxemia]] persists despite restoration of respiratory rate. Pulmonary sounds suggesting the same, become more audible after reversal of respiratory depression with naloxone. 
:* [[Rhabdomyolysis]]: If [[creatine kinase]] levels > 5 times the baseline values, diagnose and treat with adequate fluid resuscitation.
:* [[Myoglobinuria|Myoglobinuric renal failure]]: Manage with adequate fluid resuscitation.
:* [[Compartment syndrome]]: Palpate muscle groups, to look for firmness, swelling and tenderness to diagnose compartment syndrome early.
* Measure serum [[acetaminophen]] levels to account for possible overdose from acetaminophen-opioid combinations. Consult surgery if suspected or confirmed.
* Treat children with higher doses as needed and observe for atleast 24 hours.
* Once the patient has been stabilized, completely undress the patient to look for [[fentanyl]] patches.
* Give either [[pharmacological]] or mechanical support to respiration in those with respiratory rate less than 12/min.
* If there is recurrent respiratory depression, then administer naloxone infusion or mechanical intubation and ventilator support, performed in an ICU setting.<ref name="Goldfrank-1986">{{Cite journal  | last1 = Goldfrank | first1 = L. | last2 = Weisman | first2 = RS. | last3 = Errick | first3 = JK. | last4 = Lo | first4 = MW. | title = A dosing nomogram for continuous infusion intravenous naloxone. | journal = Ann Emerg Med | volume = 15 | issue = 5 | pages = 566-70 | month = May | year = 1986 | doi =  | PMID = 3963538 }}</ref>
* Consider gastric decontamination with [[activated charcoal]] if the patient presents within 1 hour of overdose.<ref name="Chyka-2005">{{Cite journal  | last1 = Chyka | first1 = PA. | last2 = Seger | first2 = D. | last3 = Krenzelok | first3 = EP. | last4 = Vale | first4 = JA. | title = Position paper: Single-dose activated charcoal. | journal = Clin Toxicol (Phila) | volume = 43 | issue = 2 | pages = 61-87 | month =  | year = 2005 | doi =  | PMID = 15822758 }}</ref>
==Dont's==
* Do not rely on [[miosis]] as the sole criteria for diagnosis of opioid overdose, as poisoning from [[meperidine]], [[propoxyphene]], or [[tramadol]] can cause [[mydriasis]].<ref name="Clark-">{{Cite journal  | last1 = Clark | first1 = RF. | last2 = Wei | first2 = EM. | last3 = Anderson | first3 = PO. | title = Meperidine: therapeutic use and toxicity. | journal = J Emerg Med | volume = 13 | issue = 6 | pages = 797-802 | month =  | year =  | doi =  | PMID = 8747629 }}</ref><ref name="Zacny-2005">{{Cite journal  | last1 = Zacny | first1 = JP. | title = Profiling the subjective, psychomotor, and physiological effects of tramadol in recreational drug users. | journal = Drug Alcohol Depend | volume = 80 | issue = 2 | pages = 273-8 | month = Nov | year = 2005 | doi = 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2005.05.007 | PMID = 16005162 }}</ref>
* Do not wait for or rely on [[Toxicology screen|urine toxicology screens]], to administer naloxone.
* Do not manage cases developing [[pulmonary edema]] by using [[diuretics]], it is likely to worsen [[Myoglobinuria|myoglobinuric renal failure]].
* Do not discharge patient immediately after reversal of respiratory depression, as it does not necessarily co-relate with peak of opioid concentration.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}

Latest revision as of 00:29, 13 March 2014

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Vidit Bhargava, M.B.B.S [2]

Overview

Opioid overdose is defined as an acute condition due to excessive use of opioids/narcotics.

Causes

Life Threatening Causes

Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated. Opioid overdose is by itself life threatening and should be treated as such irrespective of the causes.

Common Causes

Management

Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the diagnostic approach to Opioid overdose:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Characterize the symptoms:
Abdominal cramps
Constipation
❑ Difficulty in breathing
Drowsiness
❑ Dry mouth
Seizure[1] [2]
Stupor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Examine the patient:
Bradypnea/apnea
Cyanosis - nails and lips
❑ Decreased bowel sounds
❑ Decreased heart rate
❑ Depressed neurological status
Hypothermia
Miosis
❑ Presence of one or more fentanyl patches
❑ Shallow and deep respiration
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consider alternative diagnosis:
Gammahydroxybutyrate/gammabutyrolactone overdose
Alcohol intoxication
Sedative hypnotics
Phencyclidine (PCP) overdose
Ketamine overdose
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diagnostic triad: (not present in all the cases)[3]
Miosis
Respiratory depression (Rate < 12/min)
Stupor
 
 
 
 



Initial Management

Shown below is an alogorithm summarizing the basic approach to naloxone (Narcan) administration:[4][5]


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administer naloxone IV 0.04 mg in adults and
0.1 mg/kg in pediatric patients stat,
Increase in respiratory rate ?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No
 
Yes
 
Observe
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administer additional naloxone IV 0.5 mg,
Increase in respiratory rate?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No
 
Yes
 
Observe
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administer additional naloxone IV 2 mg,
Increase in respiratory rate?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No
 
Yes
 
Observe
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administer additional naloxone IV 4 mg,
Increase in respiratory rate?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No
 
Yes
 
Observe
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administer additional naloxone IV 10 mg,
Increase in respiratory rate?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No
 
Yes
 
Further management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consider other diagnostic possibilities
 
 
 
 


Futher Management

Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the comprehensive approach to ICU management of patients with opioid overdose:[5]

 
 
 
 
 
Opioid overdose: Respiratory rate < 12/min
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oxygenate with bag and mask, administer naloxone with a gradually increasing dose till reversal of respiratory depression is seen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
History of use of morphine, fentanyl or other long acting opioids?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
 
No
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Admit to ICU
 
 
 
Observe for 4-6 hours after last naloxone dose
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Patient fully awake and alert ?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No
 
Yes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Perform intubation, begin a continuous naloxone infusion
 
Admit to ICU
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continue infusion till respiratory depression reversed, observe 4-6 hours after naloxone infusion is stopped
 
 
 
 
 
Discharge patient, when awake & alert with stable vital signs
 
 
 
 
 
 

Do's

  • If intravenous access cannot be established, naloxone 2 mg, may be administered either intramuscularly (IM) or intra-nasal.
  • Perform baseline studies such as complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel, creatine kinase level, arterial blood gas, chest X Ray to look out for pulmonary edema and abdominal X Ray if body stuffing/packaging is suspected but only after reversal of respiratory depression and when patient has been stabilized.
  • Look out for following complications and treat them:
  • Pulmonary edema: Consider and evaluate if hypoxemia persists despite restoration of respiratory rate. Pulmonary sounds suggesting the same, become more audible after reversal of respiratory depression with naloxone.
  • Rhabdomyolysis: If creatine kinase levels > 5 times the baseline values, diagnose and treat with adequate fluid resuscitation.
  • Myoglobinuric renal failure: Manage with adequate fluid resuscitation.
  • Compartment syndrome: Palpate muscle groups, to look for firmness, swelling and tenderness to diagnose compartment syndrome early.
  • Measure serum acetaminophen levels to account for possible overdose from acetaminophen-opioid combinations. Consult surgery if suspected or confirmed.
  • Treat children with higher doses as needed and observe for atleast 24 hours.
  • Once the patient has been stabilized, completely undress the patient to look for fentanyl patches.
  • Give either pharmacological or mechanical support to respiration in those with respiratory rate less than 12/min.
  • If there is recurrent respiratory depression, then administer naloxone infusion or mechanical intubation and ventilator support, performed in an ICU setting.[6]
  • Consider gastric decontamination with activated charcoal if the patient presents within 1 hour of overdose.[7]

Dont's

References

  1. Talaie, H.; Panahandeh, R.; Fayaznouri, M.; Asadi, Z.; Abdollahi, M. (2009). "Dose-independent occurrence of seizure with tramadol". J Med Toxicol. 5 (2): 63–7. PMID 19415589. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  2. Kaiko, RF.; Foley, KM.; Grabinski, PY.; Heidrich, G.; Rogers, AG.; Inturrisi, CE.; Reidenberg, MM. (1983). "Central nervous system excitatory effects of meperidine in cancer patients". Ann Neurol. 13 (2): 180–5. doi:10.1002/ana.410130213. PMID 6187275. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  3. Hoffman, JR.; Schriger, DL.; Luo, JS. (1991). "The empiric use of naloxone in patients with altered mental status: a reappraisal". Ann Emerg Med. 20 (3): 246–52. PMID 1996818. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  4. "American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs: Emergency drug doses for infants and children". Pediatrics. 81 (3): 462–5. 1988. PMID 3422026. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  5. 5.0 5.1 Boyer, EW. (2012). "Management of opioid analgesic overdose". N Engl J Med. 367 (2): 146–55. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1202561. PMID 22784117. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
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