Heroin Overdose

Definition

This article describes poisoning from an overdose of heroin.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Heroin

Where Found

Heroin is made by processing opium poppies which are found all over the world.

Symptoms

• Body as a whole
  • Muscle spasticity
• Respiratory
  • Breathing slow and labored
  • Breathing shallow
  • Stopped breathing (sometimes fatal within 2-4 hours)
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Extremely small pupils, sometimes as small as the head of a pin ("pinpoint pupils")
  • Dry mouth
  • Tongue discoloration
• Skin
  • Bluish colored fingernails and lips
• Gastrointestinal
  • Spasms of the stomach and/or intestinal tract
  • Constipation
• Heart and blood vessels
  • Weak pulse
  • Low blood pressure
• Nervous system
  • Drowsiness
  • Disorientation
  • Coma
  • Delirium

Home Care

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Call emergency services and Poison Control Center.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)

Poison Control

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring a sample with you to the emergency room if available.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Administer a laxative
• Give a counteracting drug (narcotic antagonist) -- multiple doses if needed
• Administer intravenous fluids as needed
• Monitor breathing
• Treat the symptoms

Outlook (Prognosis)

If an antidote can be given, recovery from an acute overdose occurs within 24 - 48 hours.