Which medication is used as an opioid antagonist to treat overdose?

Prepare for your StudentRDH Pharmacology Exam. Review flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Get exam-ready!

Naloxone, commonly known by its brand name Narcan, is effectively utilized as an opioid antagonist specifically designed to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. It works by competitively binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids target, essentially displacing the opioids and reversing their depressant effects. This action can quickly restore normal breathing and consciousness in individuals who have overdosed on opioids, making it a crucial medication in emergency settings.

The other options provided do not possess this capability. Opioids are the substances that naloxone works to counteract, while naproxen and acetaminophen are non-opioid pain relievers that lack any properties related to reversing opioid effects. Therefore, naloxone remains the primary medication used in clinical practice for treating opioid overdoses.

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