What it means
A dose large enough to cause harmful or life-threatening effects. Opioid overdose slows and stops breathing; acetaminophen overdose damages the liver, often with few symptoms at first; stimulant overdose can cause seizures, heart rhythm problems and very high temperature. An overdose may be accidental, as in a child or a dosing error, or intentional.
For the nurse
Support airway, breathing and circulation first. Give antidotes as ordered, such as naloxone for opioids. Keep a client who overdosed on purpose safe and assess suicide risk. Teach families to keep naloxone at home when opioids are used.
At a glance
| Spanish | sobredosis |
|---|---|
| Also written | overdoses, overdosed |
Related terms
opioid analgesic
A strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.
substance use
The use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs or medicines not as prescribed; when it causes harm, it is called substance use disorder.
fentanyl
A very strong, fast-acting opioid pain drug given by IV, skin patch or through the lining of the mouth.
medication error
A preventable mistake at any step of prescribing, preparing, giving or monitoring a medicine, whether or not it causes harm.