Management of an Oral Ingestion of Transdermal Fentanyl Patches: A Case Report and Literature Review
2011
Management of an Oral Ingestion of Transdermal Fentanyl Patches
Sample size: 1
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Andrew C. Faust, Ralph Terpolilli, Darrel W. Hughes
Primary Institution: University Health System
Conclusion
The case demonstrates successful management of fentanyl patch ingestion using whole bowel irrigation and naloxone.
Supporting Evidence
- Fentanyl patches can be abused and have a high potential for overdose.
- The patient was stabilized and treated successfully in the emergency department.
- Whole bowel irrigation was used to help remove the ingested patches.
Takeaway
A man ate two fentanyl patches, which are used for pain relief, and doctors helped him by giving him medicine and flushing his system.
Methodology
The patient was treated with whole bowel irrigation and continuous intravenous naloxone infusion for approximately 48 hours.
Limitations
The patches were not recovered in the patient's stool, and the exact amount of fentanyl absorbed was not measured.
Participant Demographics
32-year-old white male with a history of substance use.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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