Antidote of opioid poisoning?

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Explanation

Naloxone is a pure opioid antagonist specifically designed to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.
It functions by competitively binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system with a higher affinity than the opioid itself, thereby displacing the opioid and blocking its effects.
Its primary clinical use is to rapidly counteract life-threatening respiratory depression, which is the most dangerous symptom of opioid toxicity.
The onset of action is very rapid, especially when given intravenously (less than 2 minutes), making it a critical emergency medication.

Option A: Protamine sulphate is not an opioid antagonist and has no effect on opioid receptors.
Option C: Acetylcysteine does not act on the opioid system and is ineffective for opioid poisoning.
Option D: Activated charcoal is not a systemic antidote and cannot reverse the effects of opioids that have already been absorbed into the bloodstream.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacology: Antidotes for Common Poisonings as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be able to rapidly identify the classic triad of opioid overdose: respiratory depression, decreased level of consciousness, and miosis (pinpoint pupils).
Prompt administration of Naloxone is a critical, life-saving nursing intervention in suspected opioid overdose to restore adequate breathing and prevent cardiac arrest.
Patient education is crucial. For patients on chronic opioid therapy, nurses should educate them and their families on the signs of overdose and how to use a take-home Naloxone kit.

How to Approach the Question

This is a direct factual recall question from pharmacology.
Identify the key terms in the question: 'Antidote' and 'opioid poisoning'.
Systematically review the options provided, recalling the specific use for each substance.
Match 'opioid poisoning' with its specific antagonist, which is Naloxone.
Confirm the other options are incorrect by identifying their distinct indications: Protamine sulphate for heparin, Acetylcysteine for paracetamol, and Charcoal for GI decontamination of ingested toxins.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 1 p. 170-172

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 946-948

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 1595-1597

Practise the full AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.