• Dagmara Reingardiene and Jolita Vilcinskaite.
• Kauno medicinos universiteto Intensyviosios terapijos klinika, Eiveniu 2, 3007 Kaunas.
• Medicina (Kaunas). 2002 Jan 1;38(9):948-55; quiz 957-8.

AbstractThe dangers of opioid overdose have been recognized for as long as the use of opium itself. When used correctly for medical purposes, opioids are remarkably safe and effective agents. However, excessive dosing, whether with therapeutic, suicidal, or euphoric intent, may results in significant toxicity. In a number of countries the use of heroin and other opioids in nonmedical contexts in associated with on increasing rate of overdose and often of fatal opioid overdose. This review article discusses opioid-receptor pharmacology, which is necessary for understanding of the signs and symptoms of opioid ingestion and management principles, clinical and toxic effects mediated with the opioids, the diagnosis and management guidelines in opioid intoxication, a clinical prediction rule to identify patients who can be safely discharge from hospital, the problems of the significant morbidity and mortality associated with opioid overdose.

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