Question

Opioids are medications that are used to treat pain but have a high potential for abuse. Addiction rate to the medications is a growing problem and they can cause respiratory and or cardiac arrests. While the first and most important step is to perform CPR, what is the name of the medication that is utilized to reverse the effects of respiratory depression?

A. Naloxone.
B. Ativan.
C. Lasix.
D. Magnesium Sulfate.

Answer 1

Naloxone is the medication used to reverse respiratory depression from opioid overdose by blocking the effects of opioids at their receptors, though it has a short duration of action and must be used with medical oversight.

Step-by-step explanation:

The medication used to reverse the effects of respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose is Naloxone. This medication rapidly precipitates withdrawal in narcotic-dependent individuals but produces no effects like analgesia, euphoria, or respiratory depression in non-opioid-abusers. Naloxone works as an opiate antagonist by antagonizing the actions of opioids like morphine, heroin, oxycodone and fentanyl at opioid receptors.

Its uses are vital in reversing acute narcotic intoxication and the respiratory depression that can occur in newborns of mothers who have used narcotics. Though highly effective, the impact of Naloxone is limited by its short duration of action which necessitates often multiple administrations and urges the need for medical attention promptly.