Naloxone is used to reverse overdose of which substance?

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Multiple Choice

Naloxone is used to reverse overdose of which substance?

Naloxone is a pure opioid receptor antagonist. It binds to mu receptors and displaces opioid agonists, rapidly reversing the respiratory depression and sedation that come with opioid (narcotic) overdoses. This makes it the treatment of choice when an opioid overdose is suspected, since the effects are specific to opioids and won’t help overdoses from non-opioid substances. Keep in mind that overdoses from benzodiazepines, acetaminophen, or ethanol require different approaches—benzodiazepine overdose may involve other antidotes in some settings, acetaminophen overdose is treated with N-acetylcysteine, and ethanol overdose is managed with supportive care. Also, because naloxone wears off sooner than some opioids, symptoms can return, so monitoring and possibly repeated dosing are important.

Naloxone is a pure opioid receptor antagonist. It binds to mu receptors and displaces opioid agonists, rapidly reversing the respiratory depression and sedation that come with opioid (narcotic) overdoses. This makes it the treatment of choice when an opioid overdose is suspected, since the effects are specific to opioids and won’t help overdoses from non-opioid substances.

Keep in mind that overdoses from benzodiazepines, acetaminophen, or ethanol require different approaches—benzodiazepine overdose may involve other antidotes in some settings, acetaminophen overdose is treated with N-acetylcysteine, and ethanol overdose is managed with supportive care. Also, because naloxone wears off sooner than some opioids, symptoms can return, so monitoring and possibly repeated dosing are important.

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