Acute opioid-induced gastroparesis successfully treated with naloxone: a case report

A 56-year-old man presented to the emergency department after an intentional overdose of oxycodone and ethanol. He was previously opioid-naive with no other medical history. He subsequently developed acute abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting. A computed tomography scan of his abdomen and pelvis revealed distension of his stomach with no other abnormalities suggestive gastroparesis. He was subsequently treated with intravenous naloxone with complete resolution of his symptoms soon after. This case highlights the association between opioids and acute gastrointestinal mobility disorders contrary to the traditional association with chronic opioid use, as well as the utility of naloxone as a treatment.