Respiratory depression

Interaction at a glance

• Reduces ventilatory drive and/or airway protection

Mechanism

• Opioids are the classic pharmacologic cause
• COPD/OSA/older age increase vulnerability

Clinical consequence

• Sedatives/alcohol can markedly amplify effect
• Severe toxicity requires airway/ventilation support

Management

• Reduces ventilatory drive and/or airway protection

Self-check

• What is required for severe respiratory depression?
  Airway and ventilation support.
• What factors increase vulnerability to respiratory depression?
  COPD, OSA, and older age.

Drugs in this interaction (42)

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