Adulteration of medications of abuse is a rampant issue in the US. Most attention is on opioids; however, benzodiazepine adulteration is occurring – with sulfonylureas. Join host, Geoff Wall, as he talks about managing emergent hypoglycemia episodes.
The GameChanger
Several case reports have detailed patients unresponsive due to severe hypoglycemia caused by mistaken sulfonylurea ingestion. Treatment of acute sulfonylurea overdose includes dextrose and octreotide.
Host
Geoff Wall, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP, BCGP
Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Drake University
Internal Medicine/Critical Care, UnityPoint Health
References and Resources
Tucker, M. Sulfonylureas as Street Drugs: Hidden Hypoglycemia Cause. Medscape.
May 2023. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/991680
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CE Information
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:
1. Describe the phenomenon of ‘street valium’ overdoses
2. Discuss the treatment of severe sulfonylurea overdose
0.05 CEU/0.5 Hr
UAN: 0107-0000-23-227-H01-P
Initial release date: 6/12/2023
Expiration date: 6/12/2024
Additional CPE details can be found here.