What are the clinical manifestations of opioid poisoning?
Nov 13, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Opioids are a class of drugs that mimic the effects of endogenous opioid compounds in the human body. Opioid poisoning may present clinically as respiratory depression, pinpoint pupils, increased heart rate, urinary retention, and coma. Patients are advised to use opioids at the prescribed dose and schedule under the guidance of a physician, avoiding self-increasing doses or frequent use to prevent drug overdose.
Under normal circumstances, opioids are a class of drugs that mimic the effects of endogenous opioid-like compounds in the human body. Opioid poisoning may present clinically with respiratory depression, pinpoint pupils, increased heart rate, urinary retention, coma, and other symptoms. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Respiratory Depression
Opioids primarily exert their effects by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Excessive use may reduce the sensitivity of the respiratory center to carbon dioxide, excessively suppress the respiratory center, and lead to slowed breathing rate and shallow breaths.
2. Pinpoint Pupils
In cases of opioid overdose, the drugs may act on opioid receptors in the pupillary sphincter muscle, causing it to contract and thereby constricting the pupils, resulting in pinpoint pupils.
3. Increased Heart Rate
Patients experiencing opioid poisoning may develop tachycardia. This is because opioids can have a certain stimulating effect on the sympathetic nervous system, potentially leading to an increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure.
4. Urinary Retention
Opioids can act on opioid receptors in the bladder sphincter muscle, weakening its contraction. Overuse of opioids may prevent urine from being expelled properly, resulting in urinary retention.
5. Coma
When opioids are taken in excess, they may excessively suppress the central nervous system, leading to impaired consciousness, rendering the patient unable to remain awake or respond to external stimuli.
Patients are advised to take opioids at the prescribed dose and schedule under a doctor's supervision, avoiding self-adjusting dosage or frequent use to prevent drug toxicity.
