A patient is admitted to the emergency department with an overdose of a benzodiazepine. The nurse immediately prepares to administer which of the following antidotes from the emergency drug cart?
A. naloxone (Narcan)
B. naltrexone (ReVia)
C. nalmefene (Revox)
D. flumazenil (Romazicon)
Correct Answer: D. flumazenil (Romazicon)
Flumazenil is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdoses. Flumazenil injection is indicated for a complete or partial reversal of the sedative effects of benzodiazepines in conscious sedation and general anesthesia in the adult and pediatric populations. Flumazenil speeds the recovery from sedation following minor surgical procedures and shortened the postoperative monitoring period for minor surgery, resulting in earlier patient discharge.
Option A: Naloxone is indicated for the treatment of opioid toxicity, specifically to reverse respiratory depression from opioid use. It is useful in accidental or intentional overdose and acute or chronic toxicity.
Option B: Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist used to treat alcohol use disorder and opioid dependence. It is FDA-approved for alcohol misuse and opioid dependence treatment. Another clinical use for naltrexone is for opiate toxicity/addiction. Exogenous opioids include the commonly prescribed pain relievers such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, among others, and drugs of abuse such as heroin.
Option C: Nalmefene is another opioid antagonist. Its affinity for mu and kappa receptors is similar to naltrexone though its affinity for the delta receptor is greater than that of naltrexone. In the United States, it is approved for the reversal of Mu receptor agonist effects by parenteral routes.
No comments:
Post a Comment