Podcast #233: Carfentanil

Carfentanil is an opioid elephant tranquilizer that can be used recreationally. It is 1000 times stronger than fentanyl, and looks like a white powder.

Healthcare workers must be cautious when carfentanil overdose is suspected, as the drug can be absorbed through caregivers' skin if it is present on the patient's clothes.

Overdose may require large amounts of naloxone, and a drip may be started at a rate equivalent to the bolus dose that the patient responded to. For example, if the patient responded to a 10mg bolus dose of naloxone, he would then be started on a 10mg/hr naloxone drip.