Journal reading

Community use of naloxone for opioid overdose

Naloxone is a competitive antagonist at opioid receptors. It can be administered to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

  • Cost: free

1Dea040544766491 Bfe73Dd38Ca1 Community Naloxone Opioid Overdose 440

In the face of increasing overdose deaths, from both prescription opioids and heroin, a wide range of people may benefit from increased access to naloxone.

Marianne E Jauncey and Suzanne Nielsen Aust Prescr 2017;40:137-140

 

 

Accreditation

This activity should take approximately 1 hour to complete. It can be included in a pharmacist’s CPD Plan for either one Group 1 credit or, on successful completion of the assessment activity, two Group 2 credits. Pharmacists should self-record this activity for CPD purposes.

Pharmacy Competency Standards

2.3 Communicate effectively

3.1 Develop a patient-centred, culturally responsive approach to medication management

3.2 Implement the medication management strategy or plan

3.3 Monitor and evaluate medication management

 

About

This activity has been designed to take around 1 hour to complete - this is based on reading the article from an issue of Australian Prescriber and completing a quiz. You will be provided with immediate feedback on your answers and a certificate of completion will be available for you to download for self-reporting purposes.

 

Learning objectives

  1. Comprehend the mechanism of action of naloxone
  2. Recognise the role of naloxone in the treatment of opioid overdose in the community