Overdose Flashcards
What are the initial signs and symptoms of paracetamol overdose?
Generally asymptomatic
maybe some nausea and vomiting
What signs and symptoms become apparent with paracetamol overdose over time?
RUQ pain
Oliguria
Liver failure
What is the antidote that can be given less than 4 hours after paracetamol overdose?
activated charcoal
What is the antidote/therapy >4 hours after paracetamol overdose?
- measure paracetamol levels >4hrs after ingestion
- plot on N-acetylcysteine diagram
- if someone taken >10g then give NAC anyway
- if is a staggered overdose, err on the side of NAC
What are signs and symptoms of opiate overdose?
Pinpoint pupils
low GCS
respiratory depression
pulmonary oedema
What sign of opiate overdose is a poor prognostic indicator?
Pulmonary oedema
What is the management of opiate overdose?
- PROTECT AIRWAY
- Naloxone IV
Why must you be careful when prescribing Naloxone IV in those who are opiate dependent?
Large doses of naloxone may cause severe acute withdrawal with severe HTN
Why must you be careful giving Naloxone, especially if someone was to self-discharge?
naloxone has a short half life, thus if someone self-discharges they run the rusk of collapsing again when the naloxone stops working
What may be a sign of antidepressant overdose?
Signs of serotonin syndrome
Which includes: confusion, agitation, muscle twitching, sweating, shivering, diarrhoea
What is the antidote/therapy for antidepressant overdose?
- Cardiac monitoring
- benzodiazepines if they start convulsing
What is the management of aspirin overdose?
Haemodialysis
What signs are found with aspirin overdose?
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
What is the antidote (and management) to benzodiazepine overdose?
Flumezanil (selective GABAa antagonist)
PROTECT AIRWAY
What sign may occur with benzodiazepine overdose?
Respiratory acidosis
