Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
10:13
Fentanyl Analog Screening using LC-TIMS-TOF MS/MS
Published on: November 8, 2024
Transdermal fentanyl in deliberate overdose in pediatrics
Mark D Lyttle1, Sapna Verma, Rhian Isaac
1Emergency Department, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, United Kingdom. Mark.lyttle@uhbristol.nhs.uk
Pediatric Emergency Care
|May 8, 2012
Summary
Fentanyl skin patches are increasingly used in children for pain. Clinicians must consider fentanyl patch overdose in adolescents, whether from therapy, misuse, or self-harm, to ensure proper management.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Fentanyl skin patches are established for adult chronic pain and oncology.
- Recent trends show increased fentanyl patch use in pediatric populations.
- Concurrent rise in fentanyl misuse and suicide attempts noted.
Observation:
- Case report of an adolescent with deliberate fentanyl patch overdose.
- Adolescent presented with signs of opioid toxicity.
Findings:
- Fentanyl transdermal patches can be misused for deliberate overdose in adolescents.
- This route of administration poses risks for therapeutic, recreational, and self-harm scenarios.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider fentanyl patch overdose in pediatric opioid toxicity evaluations.
- Awareness is crucial for managing overdose from therapeutic, recreational, or self-harm use.
- Prompt recognition and management are vital for pediatric fentanyl exposure cases.
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