Opiate overdose Flashcards
Definition
aking more opiates than you should.
Causes
Opiates have widespread effects across the body and side-effects can range from constipation to respiratory depression and death
Drugs involved:
- Codeine
- Diamorphine
- Dihydrocodeine
- Fentanyl
- Loperamide
- Methadone
- Morphine
Risk factors
Mental health conditions
Alcoholics
Morphine toxicity at a lower dose due to:
- Hepatic impairment
- Renal impairment
- Hypotension
- Hypothyroidism
- Asthma (decreased respiratory reserve)
Epidemiology
ELDERLY are more at risk because they are more likely to be on opiates
Heroin and morphine are responsible for most drug-related deaths
Symptoms
Constipation (if chronic)
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Sedation
Craving the next dose
Drowsiness (if acute overdose)
Signs
Respiratory depression
Hypotension and tachycardia
Pinpoint pupils
Investigations
Toxicology screen
Paracetamol blood level (should be considered in patients who have self-poisoned)
If in doubt, give a small test dose of naloxone
ABG
FBC
