Emergency Medicine Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Preparation

In the case of an opioid overdose resulting in respiratory depression, the first-line treatment is naloxone. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that works by competitively binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, reversing the effects of opioids, including the respiratory depression that can lead to hypoxia and potential respiratory failure. Administering naloxone rapidly restores respiratory drive and is crucial in preventing further complications or death in an opioid overdose scenario.

Other potential treatments, like activated charcoal, are not indicated in the acute management of respiratory depression due to opioid overdose, particularly if the patient is not alert or is unable to protect their airway. Flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist, is generally avoided because it can precipitate seizures in patients who are poly-drug users, and it does not address opioid-induced respiratory depression. Atropine, primarily used for bradycardia, is not relevant to opioid overdose management. Naloxone’s rapid action and safety profile make it the ideal choice for immediate intervention in this critical situation.