Medication overdoses are common occurrences in correctional settings. This presentation will review data on formulary-approved medication overdoses from North Carolina prisons over a six-month period. There were 46 overdoses requiring an emergency room visit; 17 of these required inpatient hospitalization. Acetaminophen was by far the most common substance ingested that led to an emergency room visit. We will discuss policies and procedures that may mitigate the risk of serious overdose.

Educational Objectives

Review the literature on suicide and medication overdoses in community and prison settings

List medications that have high overdose potential

Discuss prison policies and procedures that may mitigate the risk of medication overdose

Level: Intermediate