Common Street Drugs: Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB)

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

  • GHB is a CNS depressant/anesthetic. Ingestion may result in respiratory & CNS depression. Maintain airway patency; support w/ oxygenation & ventilation if necessary.
    • Rapid sequence intubation if hypoxic or severe respiratory depression
    • Short-acting neuromuscular blockade indicated to prevent stimulation combativeness
  • Initiate cardiac monitoring & observe for bradycardia.
    • Treat hemodynamically significant bradycardia w/ atropine.

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