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Opioid overdose — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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EasyClinical pharmacology and toxicologyOpioid overdoseRACP Adult Medicine

A 34-year-old man is found unconscious with slow respirations after injecting heroin. Respiratory rate is 6/min, oxygen saturation is 82% and pupils are pinpoint. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: B — Support ventilation and give titrated naloxone

Opioid toxicity causes respiratory depression and miosis, requiring airway support and titrated naloxone. Flumazenil reverses benzodiazepines and can cause seizures in mixed overdose. Observation without ventilatory support, more opioid or emesis is unsafe.

Reference: Poisons Information Centre guidance; AMH