Joint RCEM and NPIS best practice guideline: assessment and management of acute opioid toxicity in adults in the emergency department

Emerg Med J. 2024 Jun 20;41(7):440-445. doi: 10.1136/emermed-2024-214163.

Abstract

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine Toxicology Special Interest Group in collaboration with the UK National Poisons Information Service and the Clinical Toxicology Department at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust has produced guidance to support clinicians working in the ED with the assessment and management of adults with acute opioid toxicity.Considerations regarding identification of acute opioid toxicity are discussed and recommendations regarding treatment options and secondary prevention are made. There is a focus on making recommendations on the best available evidence.

Keywords: assessment; emergency department; guidelines; toxicology.

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analgesics, Opioid* / adverse effects
  • Analgesics, Opioid* / therapeutic use
  • Emergency Service, Hospital*
  • Humans
  • Opiate Overdose / therapy
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • United Kingdom

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid