Medical Drugs Overdose Manangement

Medical complications and procedures for drugs and overdose management

Definition of overdose

An overdose occurs when toxic (poisonous) amount of drug or medicine is taken.Substances that can cause harm when too much as taken include alcohol, prescription and over the counter medications, illegal drugs and some herbal remedies.

  
General Symptoms of drug overdose

ü  Nausea

ü  Vomiting

ü  Abdominal cramps

ü  Diarrhoea

ü  Dizziness

ü  Loss of balance

ü  Seizures(fitting)

ü  Drowsiness

ü  Confusion

ü  Breathing difficulties

ü  Internal bleeding

ü  Hallucinations

ü  Visual disturbance

ü  Snoring deeply

ü  Coma

Reasons for overdose

         i.            Accidental

A person takes the wrong drug or combination of drugs in the wrong amount or at the wrong time without knowing that it causes them harm.

       ii.            Intentional misuse

A person takes an overdose to get high or to inflict self harm. The latter may be a cry for help or suicide attempt.

Prevention Ways to avoid overdose include:

a.       Always read medication labels carefully and take prescription medications only as directed. Keep all medications in their original packaging

b.      Avoid drugs of any kind unless advised by a doctor.

c.       Always inform your doctor or other health professional of a previous overdose.

d.      Do not stock pile unnecessary drugs .Return them to the pharmacist if you no longer need them.

e.       Keep all drugs and poisons locked away in a safe secure place out reach of children.

f.        Be cautious when taking different drugs or substances (including alcohol) at around the same time as they can interact negatively and increase the risk of overdose.

Treatment for drug (s) takenthe dose and the effect on the person.

This may depend on when and how the drug was taken, what else it was taken with and any medical complications resulting from overdose. Options include:

·        Full assessment in the department which may include blood tests.

·        Observation and psychological review

·        Removing the drug from the body for example giving activated charcoal, this binds the drugs so the body can absorb it.

·        Administering an antidote such as naloxone hydrochloride.

·        A drug that can reverse opioide overdose which is possible for some drugs.Admission to hospital for further treatment.

·        A follow up by the person’s doctor, this is important for everyone who has had overdose.

·        Your doctor can monitor your healing advice or continued treatment (if required) or arrange for further help (referral).