AI Article Synopsis
- Naloxone is commonly used to treat opioid-dependent patients experiencing respiratory depression, but it can cause serious complications in these individuals.
- Using buprenorphine, a partial μ-opioid receptor agonist, could be a safer option for reversing respiratory depression while minimizing severe withdrawal symptoms.
- A case study of a 20-year-old man with morphine addiction demonstrated that intravenous buprenorphine effectively addressed respiratory depression induced by methadone.
Article Abstract
Administration of naloxone is a common treatment for opioid-dependent patients who present with respiratory depression. Although safe in opioid-naive patients, naloxone may cause severe and even life-threatening complications in opioid-dependent patients, including acute respiratory distress syndrome and myocardial infarction. It has been suggested that administration of buprenorphine, a partial μ-opioid receptor agonist, to an opioid-intoxicated patient may result in reversal of respiratory depression with less severe withdrawal signs and symptoms. In addition, the longer half-life of buprenorphine compared with naloxone may reduce the need for repetitive administration of antidote. We present a 20-year-old morphine-addicted man who presented with methadone-induced respiratory depression and responded safely and effectively to intravenous administration of buprenorphine. Buprenorphine may be a useful alternative opioid reversal agent for opioid-dependent patients.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.12.024 | DOI Listing |
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