What is the recommended treatment for opioid overdose?

Naloxone is the recommended treatment for opioid overdose due to its specific mechanism of action as an opioid antagonist. Opioid overdose can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression and altered mental status. Naloxone works by competitively binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, effectively reversing the effects of opioids. This rapid reversal is crucial for restoring respiratory function in patients who are apneic or severely hypoventilating due to opioid intoxication. Naloxone can be administered via various routes, including intranasally and intramuscularly, making it a practical option in emergency situations.

In contrast, flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist and is not indicated for opioid overdose; it can precipitate seizures in patients with dependence. Activated charcoal may be used in some cases of overdose to prevent further absorption of substances from the gastrointestinal tract but is not a specific antidote and should only be administered if the patient is alert and presents within a short window after ingestion. Atropine is used primarily for bradycardia and has no role in reversing the effects of opioid overdose. Thus, naloxone stands out as the most effective and targeted approach to addressing opioid toxicity.