Overdose Management

Question 1

What is the antidote to opioid overdose?

Answer 1

Naloxone

Question 2

What antidotes are there to paracetamol OD?

Answer 2

1. N-acetylcysteine (if more than 1 hour after ingestion or if staggered OD)
2. Activated charcoal if <1 hour since ingestion

If >4 hours since paracetamol OD, use nomogram

Question 3

What is the antidote for tricyclic antidepressant OD?

Answer 3

IV bicarbonate.

May require dialysis if severe

Question 4

What are the signs and symptoms of tricyclic antidepressant OD?

Answer 4

1. Tachycardia
2. Dry skin
3. Dry mouth
4. Mydriasis
5. Urinary retention
6. Ataxia
7. Drowsiness
8. Coma

Question 5

What are the signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine OD?

Answer 5

1. Drowsiness
2. Ataxia
3. Respiratory depression

Question 6

What is the antidote to benzodiazepine OD?

Answer 6

Flumazenil

Question 7

What are the symptoms and signs of methanol OD?

Answer 7

1. Visual problems
2. Blindness

Alcohol intoxication symptoms

Question 8

What is the antidote to methanol OD?

Answer 8

Fomepizole or ethanol

Haemodialysis if refractory

Question 9

What are the signs, symptoms and complications of anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) OD?

Answer 9

1. Metabolic acidosis
2. Tachycardia
3. Hypertension
4. Acute kidney injury

Symptoms are similar to alcohol intoxication

Question 10

What is the antidote to ethylene glycol (anti-freeze) OD?

Answer 10

Fomepizole

Haemodialysis if refractory