Opioid overdose
- Ventilation is the immediate lifesaving intervention
- Naloxone reverses opioid respiratory depression
- Titrate to adequate breathing—not full arousal
- Repeat dosing/infusion may be needed for long opioids
- Observe for recurrent toxicity after naloxone wears off
- Provide take-home naloxone + OUD treatment linkage
Use at a glance
- Ventilation is the immediate lifesaving intervention
Treatment options
- Naloxone reverses opioid respiratory depression
- Titrate to adequate breathing—not full arousal
- Repeat dosing/infusion may be needed for long opioids
Other treatment options
- Provide take-home naloxone + OUD treatment linkage
Monitoring / follow-up
- Observe for recurrent toxicity after naloxone wears off
Self-check
- What is the immediate lifesaving intervention in opioid overdose?
Ventilation.
- What is the naloxone titration target in opioid overdose?
Adequate breathing—not full arousal.
- Why should patients be observed after naloxone reverses an opioid overdose?
Opioid toxicity can recur after naloxone wears off.
Drugs used for this (2)
All clinical uses · Open the interactive console ↗
