All accreditations for this course have expired.

This course has been updated. The new version is located here.

Course Summary

Statistics show that fentanyl use, a synthetic opioid, is a burden to the health system in the United States. Fentanyl use involves significant morbidity and mortality. Treatment of a fentanyl overdose begins with a clinical assessment of a patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation. Opioid overdose education and distribution of intranasal naloxone to laypersons and law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency service personnel are intended to promote recognition of opioid overdose and quick intervention.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

I.      Introduction
II.      The Opioid Crisis and Fentanyl Use
III.      Key Points of Fentanyl Overdose
1.   Detection of Fentanyl
2.   History of Use
3.   Pattern of Use
4.   Pediatric Exposure
5.   Reversal with Naloxone
IV.      Treatment of Fentanyl Overdose
V.      Pharmacological Profile of Fentanyl
1.   Mechanism of Action and Uses of Fentanyl
2.   Available Forms
3.   Boxed Warning
4.   Contraindications
5.   Drug-drug Interactions
6.   Warnings
7.   Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
8.   Fentanyl and Psychosis
VI.    Case Study: Fentanyl Transdermal for Chronic Pain
VII.    Second Case: Chronic Pain and Overdose
VIII.    Summary