Poison by Narcotics overdose
The narcotic drugs are those which dull the senses, relieve pain, soothe the feelings, and induce sleep. These drugs commonly lead to addiction. They include heroin, morphine, meperidine, methadone, propoxyphene, cocaine, codeine, and opium. Although the addict develops a certain tolerance for his drug, the serious danger of overdose threatens addicts as well as non-addicts. The effect of an overdose, depending on the amount taken and on individual susceptibility, varies between mild stupor and deep coma. Typically there is a combination of three symptoms: 1. stupor, 2. "pinpoint" constriction of the pupils of the eyes, and 3. reduced breathing.
WHAT TO DO
Stir one or two tablespoonfuls of activated charcoal (powder) into a glass of water and have the patient drink this. Repeat until the patient has drunk two or three glasses of the activated charcoal slurry (less for a small child). If the patient vomits, give more of the activated charcoal for him to retain in his stomach. Keep the patient warm. Give
artificial respiration and pure oxygen to breathe as necessary to maintain respiration. The doctor can administer a specific antagonist drug (naloxone) to offset the
effect of the narcotic.
