Heroin Exposed Newborns V. Methadone Exposed Newborn's

Heroin
Possible effect on  newborn:
       • Seizures  • Addiction, withdrawal symptoms  after birth  • Breathing problems  •      Small size at birth  • Physical and mental development  problems 
 Stays in Infant’s System  6-8 hr.s after birth
 Signs of withdrawal include hyperirritability,  gastrointestinal dysfunction, respiratory  distress, and vague autonomic symptoms (eg,  yawning, sneezing, mottling, fever). Tremors  and jittery movements, high‐pitched cries,  increased muscle tone, and irritability are  common. Normal reflexes may be  exaggerated. Loose stools are common,  leading to possible electrolyte imbalances and  diaper dermatitis.
Long‐term symptoms have been difficult to  study, but evidence supports that these  children show hyperphagia, increased oral  drive, sweating, hyperacusis, irregular  sleep patterns, poor tolerance to  environmental changes, and continued  loose stools.

Methadone
Possible effect on newborn:
       • Fetus will become addicted to  methadone  • Seizures due to withdrawal  • Increased risk of SIDS  • Gastro‐intestinal dysfunction  • Hyper‐irritability  • Respiratory distress  • Developmental delays  • Low birth weights
 Stays in Infant’s System 6‐8  hrs  after  birth
Symptoms typically appear within 48‐72  hours but may not start until the infant is aged  3 weeks. This is particularly true for infants  whose mothers took excessively higher doses.  Conflicting data have emerged concerning  withdrawal severity and higher in‐utero  methadone doses.


http://www.misd.net/EarlyOn/files/Prental%20Drug%20Exposure%20Tool%20Kit.pdf

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