What is Opioid Poisoning?
Opioid poisoning happens when someone takes too much of opioid drugs like codeine, morphine, or heroin. This can be accidental or intentional and these drugs may be used for medicine or recreationally.
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Symptoms of Opioid Poisoning
- Breathing becomes very slow or stops
- Low blood pressure and body temperature
- Very small, pinpoint pupils
- Becoming very drowsy or unconscious, possibly leading to coma
How Is Opioid Poisoning Treated?
- If the drug was swallowed less than one hour before coming to the hospital, stomach emptying (gastric lavage) might be done, especially if pills are seen on an X-ray.
- Activated charcoal is not useful for opioid poisoning.
- If the person shows no symptoms after 6 hours, they usually do not need specific treatment but should be monitored for at least 12 hours to be safe.
- Intravenous fluids are given to treat low blood pressure or dehydration.
- An antidote called naloxone is given by injection to reverse the effects. The dose is carefully adjusted and repeated every few minutes if needed, with a maximum limit.
- The main goal of naloxone is to help the person breathe better, not necessarily to wake them up fully.
- Sometimes, repeated doses or a continuous drip of naloxone may be necessary.
- Any complications are managed as they arise.
Important Note
The doses of naloxone used in emergencies for poisoning may be different from those used in long-term care for patients taking opioids for chronic pain.
