Effect of innappropriate naltrexone use in a heroin misuser.
Naltrexone is a long acting opioid receptor antagonist used in controlled opioid withdrawal drug programmes. When taken by an opioid dependent patient an acute withdrawal reaction will be precipitated. The case is presented where a known opioid drug misuser inadvertently ingested naltrexone in conjunction with heroin resulting in severe agitation, requiring heavy sedation followed by general anaesthesia to enable investigation and management of his clinical condition.
Boyce
S H
SH
Accident and Emergency Department, Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock, UK. steveboyce_scotland@yahoo.com
Armstrong
P A R
PA
Stevenson
J
J
D000328:Adult; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000209:etiology; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000628:therapy
D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009271:Naltrexone