What is the antidote for opioid overdose?

What is the antidote for opioid overdose?

• A. Flumazenil
• B. Naloxone
• C. Atropine
• D. None

Answer: (B)

Naloxone is used because it blocks the mu-opioid receptors that opioids activate, quickly displacing opioids from those receptors and reversing the resulting respiratory and CNS depression. Its effects onset rapidly (within minutes with IV use) and can be given via IV, IM, or intranasal routes, though the duration can be shorter than some opioids, so repeated dosing or an infusion may be needed if the overdose involves long-acting opioids. Flumazenil treats benzodiazepine overdose, atropine treats muscarinic toxicity or bradycardia, and there isn’t an antidote for opioids in general other than naloxone, making it the correct choice.

Naloxone is used because it blocks the mu-opioid receptors that opioids activate, quickly displacing opioids from those receptors and reversing the resulting respiratory and CNS depression. Its effects onset rapidly (within minutes with IV use) and can be given via IV, IM, or intranasal routes, though the duration can be shorter than some opioids, so repeated dosing or an infusion may be needed if the overdose involves long-acting opioids. Flumazenil treats benzodiazepine overdose, atropine treats muscarinic toxicity or bradycardia, and there isn’t an antidote for opioids in general other than naloxone, making it the correct choice.