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Their prevalence has not been well documented. There exists much interindividual variability with respect to which patients develop toxicities. Patients with renal impairment and patients on high doses of opioids for a long periods of time appear to be at a higher risk. These toxicities include hallucinations (often visual or tactile), cognitive impairment, delirium, hyperalgesia, allodynia, sedation, and myoclonus. The latter is characterized by "muscle jerking" that can be localized or generalized. If very severe, these can go on to become generalized seizures.
Clinical Presentation
Underlying Mechanisms
Assessment of toxicities
Overall management
Opioid rotation
Opioid dose reduction
Addition of other drugs
Hydration
References
Credits
Content for this flash card was provided by Dr. Jose Pereira and Jacqui Peden RN MN; Curriculum Interchange Format CIF presentation methodology provided by Growth House, Inc.. For full credits click here.