Heroin Toxicity Medication

Updated: Feb 01, 2023
  • Author: Rania Habal, MD; Chief Editor: Jeter (Jay) Pritchard Taylor, III, MD  more...
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Medication

Narcotic antagonists

Naloxone (Narcan)

In suspected narcotic overdose, small increments (< 0.1 mg) may be used IV until the desired effect is obtained or until 10 mg have been administered with no response. Small increments are used rather than a large bolus injection in order to prevent narcotic withdrawal in the patient who is dependent on opioids. Large bolus injections of naloxone may also unmask adverse effects of co-ingestants (eg, scopolamine, amphetamines, cocaine), resulting in a sympathetic or an anticholinergic crisis. When desired effect is obtained and patient requires continuous infusion, a drip solution is mixed so that two thirds of the originally effective dose is administered qh. To prepare drip, add 40 mg naloxone to 1 L D5W or NS and infuse at 10 mL/h (0.4 mg/h).

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GI decontaminants

Polyethylene glycol (GoLYTELY, Colyte)

Polyethylene glycol is a laxative with strong electrolyte and osmotic effects that has cathartic actions in the GI tract. It is used in whole-bowel irrigation.

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