title: Treating heroin overdose.
abstract: Immediate attention must be given to the respiratory system of the heroin abuser; then he should be given naloxone HCl. Search for evidence of use of additional drugs, which may compound problems. Pulmonary edema, aspiration pneumonia and pulmonary embolization are the most common complications. Infections, particularly endocarditis, and cardiac arrhythmia also occur with heroin overdose. Hepatitis is common. Treatment must include not only attention to the presenting symptoms but also referral to a rehabilitation center when possible.
mesh_terms: D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000139:chemically induced; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D004696:Endocarditis / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000150:complications; D003932:Heroin / Q000506:poisoning*; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009270:Naloxone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000139:chemically induced; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D009270:Naloxone; D003932:Heroin; D008691:Methadone