Naloxone is the antidote for which type of poisoning?

• A. Opioid overdose
• B. Acetaminophen overdose
• C. Lead poisoning
• D. Digoxin toxicity

Answer: (A)

Naloxone works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, specifically acting as a competitive antagonist at mu-opioid receptors. By displacing opioids from these receptors, it rapidly reverses the dangerous effects of an opioid overdose, most notably respiratory depression, sedation, and pinpoint pupils. This makes it the specific antidote for opioid toxicity.

Other substances have different antidotes: acetaminophen overdose is treated with N-acetylcysteine; lead poisoning with chelation therapy; and digoxin toxicity with digoxin-specific antibody fragments and supportive care. Since naloxone targets the opioid receptor system, it directly counters the life-threatening effects caused by opioids, rather than issues from other toxins. Be aware that in opioid-dependent individuals it can trigger withdrawal and that shorter-acting naloxone may require repeated dosing if longer-acting opioids are involved.