Question

Opioid antagonists work by

a. over powering the opioid activity.
b. increasing metabolism of the opioids.
c. binding with opioids in the vascular space.
d. blocking opioid action at the receptors.

Answer 1

Opioid antagonists work by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, thereby preventing the effects of opioids like analgesia and euphoria. They are used in reversing opioid overdoses and in managing substance dependence.

Step-by-step explanation:

Opioid antagonists work by blocking opioid action at the receptors. These drugs, like naloxone and naltrexone, bind to the same receptors in the brain that opioids target. However, instead of activating these receptors to produce the typical effects of opioids (such as analgesia and euphoria), they block them. Agonists, like opioids, mimic endogenous opioids by binding and activating the receptors. Opioid antagonists are used in various medical situations, such as reversing opioid overdose (specifically the respiratory depression element) or in helping to manage substance dependence in addiction treatment programs.