What naloxone doses should be used in adults to urgently reverse the effects of opioids?

The opioid antagonist, naloxone, is a highly effective antidote the use of which is potentially life-saving. The drug has a role in a wide range…

Which opioids can be used in renal impairment?

Opioids are used in a wide variety of clinical settings and are well established for the treatment of both acute and chronic pain. Renal impairment…

Shortage of diamorphine injection 5 and 10mg

Both manufacturers of diamorphine injection are experiencing supply difficulties at the moment.  Both primary and secondary care will have to prepare for a complete out…

Who can supply or administer Controlled Drugs under the terms of a Patient Group Direction and under what circumstances?

The use of controlled drugs is regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. Not all professions listed…

Safety in Lactation: Opioid analgesics

The evidence relating to the safe use of opioid analgesics in breastfeeding mothers is very variable between individual drugs. This group of drugs presents a…

ARCHIVED NPSA Alert - High dose morphine and diamorphine injections 2006

This page forms part of a resource on medication related patient safety alerts issued  by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) between 2002 and 2012…