Risk factors for respiratory depression:
(1) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
(2) restrictive lung disease
(3) pneumonia
(4) disorder affecting the upper airway
(5) high doses of the opioid
(6) therapy with other drugs causing respiratory depression
(7) pain relief from other modalities
Management:
(1) Reduce the dose of the opioid.
(2) Select an opioid with a short half-life and inactive metabolites if the patient has risk factors for respiratory depression.
(3) Monitor the patient with pulse oximetry.
(4) Use naloxone to reverse severe respiratory depression.
(5) Intubation and respiratory support may be needed in severe cases.
