Contributor: Aaron Lessen MD

Educational Pearls:

Can opioids cause cardiac arrest?

Opioids can cause respiratory suppression and the subsequent low oxygen levels can lead to arrhythmias and eventually cardiac arrest.
In 2023, 17% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) were attributable to opioids.

Given that this is a rising cause of cardiac arrest, should we just treat all cardiac arrest with naloxone (Narcan)?

Naloxone is correlated with an increased chance of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)
Additionally, a wide variety of individuals can be exposed to opioids and therefore opioid overdose should be considered in all cases of OHCA

But does naloxone improve neurologic outcomes?

Yes, naloxone, especially when given early on in the resuscitation can improve neuro outcomes

What is the dose?

2-4 mg IN/IV depending on access.
High suspicion for opioid overdose consider going with an even higher dose such as 4-8 mg IN/IV

References

Orkin, A. M., & Dezfulian, C. (2024). Recognizing the fastest growing cause of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Resuscitation, 198, 110206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2024.110206
Quinn, E., & Du Pont, D. (2024). Naloxone administration in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: What's next?. Resuscitation, 201, 110307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2024.110307
Saybolt, M. D., Alter, S. M., Dos Santos, F., Calello, D. P., Rynn, K. O., Nelson, D. A., & Merlin, M. A. (2010). Naloxone in cardiac arrest with suspected opioid overdoses. Resuscitation, 81(1), 42–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2009.09.016
Wampler D. A. (2024). Naloxone in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest-More Than Just Opioid Reversal. JAMA network open, 7(8), e2429131. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.29131

Summarized by Jeffrey Olson, MS3 | Edited by Meg Joyce MS1 & Jorge Chalit, OMS3

Episode 931: Naloxone in Cardiac Arrest

Emergency Medical Minute