Methadone overdoses in a New York City hospital

Charts of the 81 methadone overdose patients admitted to Morrisania City Hospital from the Emergency Department during the eight month period between June, 1973 and January, 1974 were reviewed. There were 87 overdose cases in the 81 patients. All were treated successfully with naloxone hydrochloride administered intravenously. Four patients had pulmonary edema. In more than half, liver and muscle function studies showed abnormalities. Ninety percent (79) of the overdoses were associated with a combination of methadone and other non-opiate drugs, including alcohol.