Final answer:
Naloxone is used to correct neonatal depression caused by maternal opioids because it is an effective opiate antagonist that can quickly reverse respiratory depression without producing narcotic effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The substance used to correct neonatal depression caused by maternal opioids is naloxone. Naloxone is an opiate antagonist that does not produce effects like analgesia, euphoria, or respiratory depression in normal individuals. However, it is very effective in rapidly reversing narcotic effects, including respiratory depression in newborns whose mothers have used narcotics during pregnancy. The use of naloxone in newborns is a critical intervention because opioids can depress breathing, and naloxone can keep the infant breathing until emergency medical treatment is provided.
Additionally, while methadone is often used in the treatment of opioid addiction, it is not the correct choice for immediate reversal of opioid effects. Methadone is a synthetic opioid that is used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms but can still produce euphoria. It is a long-term treatment option rather than an emergency response. Similarly, fentanyl and morphine are strong opioids and would not be used to treat narcotic-induced respiratory depression; they are more likely to be the cause of it.