Opioid Overdose Flashcards
What are the risk factors for opioid overdose?
- Recreational drug use (IVDU)
- History of depression or self-harm (suicide attempt)
- Opioid prescription(s) for chronic pain
- Recent opioid prescription
- Therapeutic error
- Hepatic or renal impairment
- CYP2D6 gene duplication carriers
These factors increase the likelihood of opioid overdose.
What are some differential diagnoses for opioid overdose?
- Hypoglycemia
- Postictal status
- Overdose with other depressants (e.g. alcohol, Z-drugs, benzos)
- Head injury
- Carbon dioxide narcosis
These conditions can present similarly to opioid overdose.
What is the classic triad of opioid overdose toxidrome?
- Reduced consciousness
- Respiratory depression
- Miosis (pinpoint pupils)
These symptoms are critical for identifying opioid toxicity.
What are the signs of respiratory depression in opioid overdose?
- Bradypnoea (<12 breaths/minute)
- Hypoxia
- Respiratory arrest (severe)
Respiratory depression is a key indicator of opioid overdose severity.
What investigations should be conducted in suspected opioid overdose?
- Capillary blood glucose
- ABG (assess for type 2 respiratory failure and acidosis)
- Bloods (FBC, U&E, LFTs, Paracetamol levels)
- Urine tox screen
- Imaging (CT head only if no response to initial Tx)
These tests help assess the patient’s condition and rule out other issues.
What is the primary treatment for opioid overdose?
- Remove opioid source
- Naloxone (IV, IM, SC, intranasal)
Naloxone is the primary medication used for opioid reversal.
What is the half-life of naloxone?
60-90 minutes
Naloxone may need to be re-administered due to its short half-life.
What follow-up actions should be taken after treating an opioid overdose?
- Psychiatric assessment (if applicable)
- Referral to drug cessation services (if applicable)
- Medication review (for unintentional overdose)
These steps are important for comprehensive patient care.
