Naloxone Health Dictionary

Nalorphine reduces or abolishes most of the actions of MORPHINE and similarly acting NARCOTICS, such as PETHIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE. It was used as an antidote in the treatment of overdosage with these drugs but has now been superseded by NALOXONE.... nalorphine

MORPHINE and CODEINE are natural opium ALKALOIDS found in the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). The other opioids are either synthetic or semi-synthetic analogues of these. Their main use is in the treatment of moderate to severe PAIN, but they are also used as antidiarrhoeal and antitussive agents. As a result of induced tolerance (see DEPENDENCE) and great individual variability, the amount of opioid substances required to cause serious consequences varies enormously.

The most common effects of opioid overdose are vomiting, drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, BRADYCARDIA, CONVULSIONS and COMA. Respiratory depression is common and may lead to CYANOSIS and respiratory arrest. HYPOTENSION occurs occasionally and in severe cases non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema and cardiovascular collapse may occur. Cardiac ARRHYTHMIA may occur with some opioids. Some opioids have a HISTAMINE-releasing e?ect which may result in an urticarial rash (see URTICARIA), PRURITUS, ?ushing and hypotension. Activated CHARCOAL should be given following overdose and NALOXONE administered to reverse respiratory depression and deep coma.... opioid poisoning

The harmful effects on the body as a result of an excessive dose of a drug. Accidental poisoning is most common in young children. In adults, it usually occurs in elderly or confused people who are unsure about their treatment and dosage requirements. Accidental poisoning may also occur during drug abuse. Deliberate self-poisoning is usually a cry for help (see suicide; suicide, attempted). The drugs that are most commonly taken in overdose include benzodiazepine drugs and antidepressant drugs. Anyone who has taken a drug overdose and any child who has swallowed tablets that belong to someone else should seek immediate medical advice. It is important to identify the drugs that have been taken. Treatment in hospital may involve washing out the stomach (see lavage, gastric). Charcoal may be given by mouth to reduce the absorption of the drug from the intestine into the bloodstream. To eliminate the drug, urine production may be increased by an intravenous infusion. Antidotes are available only for specific drugs. Such antidotes include naloxone (for morphine) and methionine (for paracetamol).

Drug poisoning may cause drowsiness and breathing difficulty, irregular heartbeat, and, rarely, cardiac arrest, fits, and kidney and liver damage.

Antiarrhythmic drugs are given to treat heartbeat irregularity.

Fits are treated with anticonvulsants.

Blood tests to monitor liver function and careful monitoring of urine output are carried out if the drug is known to damage the liver or kidneys.... drug poisoning