What is the primary treatment for opioid overdose?

What is the primary treatment for opioid overdose?

• A. Activated charcoal
• B. Flumazenil
• C. Naloxone
• D. IV fluids

Answer: (C)

Naloxone is the primary treatment for opioid overdose as it is an opioid antagonist that works by rapidly reversing the effects of opioids on the central nervous system. When administered, naloxone displaces opioids from their receptors and restores normal breathing and consciousness in an individual who has experienced an overdose. This quick action is critical since opioid overdoses can lead to respiratory depression and potentially fatal outcomes. The effectiveness of naloxone makes it the go-to emergency treatment, especially in acute situations where the patient is unresponsive or not breathing due to opioid toxicity. Its ability to be given intranasally or intramuscularly allows for fast and accessible intervention by first responders or bystanders, which is vital during overdose scenarios. Other options do not serve effectively as primary treatments for opioid overdose. For instance, activated charcoal is typically used in poisoning cases but is not suitable if the person is unconscious or has a decreased level of consciousness since it poses a risk of aspiration. Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist and is not indicated for opioid overdose due to the risk of seizures and its potential to complicate the clinical picture. IV fluids may be administered for supportive care in various scenarios but do not address the critical respiratory or CNS effects caused by

Naloxone is the primary treatment for opioid overdose as it is an opioid antagonist that works by rapidly reversing the effects of opioids on the central nervous system. When administered, naloxone displaces opioids from their receptors and restores normal breathing and consciousness in an individual who has experienced an overdose. This quick action is critical since opioid overdoses can lead to respiratory depression and potentially fatal outcomes.

The effectiveness of naloxone makes it the go-to emergency treatment, especially in acute situations where the patient is unresponsive or not breathing due to opioid toxicity. Its ability to be given intranasally or intramuscularly allows for fast and accessible intervention by first responders or bystanders, which is vital during overdose scenarios.

Other options do not serve effectively as primary treatments for opioid overdose. For instance, activated charcoal is typically used in poisoning cases but is not suitable if the person is unconscious or has a decreased level of consciousness since it poses a risk of aspiration. Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist and is not indicated for opioid overdose due to the risk of seizures and its potential to complicate the clinical picture. IV fluids may be administered for supportive care in various scenarios but do not address the critical respiratory or CNS effects caused by