Guidelines on the management of people who inject drugs in Lothian hospitals (2023)

Infectious diseases
NHS Lothian

Authors: Linda J Smith, Rakhee Vasishta, Joanna Renée

Version:1.1

Date: June 2023

Review date: June 2026

Approved by: NHS Lothian Drugs and Therapeutics committee June 2023

Introduction

History, examination and investigation

Patients receiving a methadone or buprenorphine prescription

Patients not receiving a methadone or buprenorphine prescription

Management of patients with suspected over sedation

Information on other commonly used drugs

Principles of harm reduction

Take home naloxone (Prenoxad)

Acute pain management and avoidance of withdrawal symptoms in patients receiving opioid substitute therapy

Elective surgical admission

Emergency surgical admission

Useful phone numbers and contacts during working hours

Opioid dependence suspected or declared by patient

Symptomatic relief in opiate withdrawal

References