Faculty Collaboration Database

Accidental Occupational Exposure to a Large Volume of Liquid Fentanyl on a Compromised Skin Barrier with No Resultant Effect. Prehosp Disaster Med 2022 Aug;37(4):550-552

Date

06/21/2022

Pubmed ID

35722948

DOI

10.1017/S1049023X22000905

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85134426255 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   4 Citations

Abstract

The high prevalence of fentanyl in the illicit drug supply has generated concern among first responders regarding occupational exposure. Social media sharing of unconfirmed first responder overdoses after brief exposure to fentanyl may be contributing to an inappropriate risk perception of brief dermal fentanyl exposure. This case details a dermal exposure to a large dose of analytically confirmed pharmaceutical fentanyl (fentanyl citrate, 10 microgram fentanyl base per ml), over a large skin surface area. Additionally, the exposure occurred at a site with some skin barrier compromise, a factor that can increase fentanyl absorption. The patient underwent appropriate decontamination and underwent a brief medical assessment with no clinical effects of opioid exposure observed. This information is of value to first responders and other health care workers who are at risk of occupational fentanyl exposure. Findings are consistent with in vitro and ex vivo data supporting low risk of rapid absorption after brief dermal fentanyl exposure.

Author List

Feldman R, Weston BW

Authors

Ryan J. Feldman PharmD Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of Pharmacy Administration department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Benjamin Weston MD, MPH Associate Professor in the Emergency Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Analgesics, Opioid
Drug Overdose
Fentanyl
Humans
Occupational Exposure