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Opioid overdose risk — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardCNS TherapeuticsOpioid overdose riskGPhC CRA

A patient collecting oxycodone modified-release also requests promethazine for sleep. They appear drowsy and say they have taken extra oxycodone for pain. What is the most appropriate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Assess urgently and avoid supplying sedating medicine without clinical review

Opioids and sedating antihistamines can have additive CNS and respiratory depressant effects. Existing drowsiness and extra opioid use raise concern for toxicity or overdose risk. The pharmacist should assess urgently, consider emergency escalation, and avoid adding further sedatives without review. Crushing modified-release oxycodone can cause dose dumping.

Reference: BNF