What is the reversal agent for oxymorphone?

What is the reversal agent for oxymorphone?

• A. Naloxone
• B. Flumazenil
• C. Atropine
• D. Epinephrine

Answer: (A)

Oxymorphone is an opioid analgesic that depresses the respiratory center by activating mu-opioid receptors. The reversal is achieved with naloxone, a competitive opioid receptor antagonist. Naloxone binds to mu receptors with higher affinity than oxymorphone, displacing it and quickly reversing respiratory depression and sedation. It can be given IV for rapid effect, but its duration is often shorter than that of oxymorphone, so additional dosing or an infusion may be needed to maintain reversal if the opioid effect persists. Flumazenil reverses benzodiazepines, not opioids. Atropine blocks muscarinic receptors, used for other toxicities or bradycardia. Epinephrine is an adrenergic agonist used in anaphylaxis and resuscitation. Thus, naloxone is the reversal agent for oxymorphone.

Oxymorphone is an opioid analgesic that depresses the respiratory center by activating mu-opioid receptors. The reversal is achieved with naloxone, a competitive opioid receptor antagonist. Naloxone binds to mu receptors with higher affinity than oxymorphone, displacing it and quickly reversing respiratory depression and sedation. It can be given IV for rapid effect, but its duration is often shorter than that of oxymorphone, so additional dosing or an infusion may be needed to maintain reversal if the opioid effect persists.

Flumazenil reverses benzodiazepines, not opioids. Atropine blocks muscarinic receptors, used for other toxicities or bradycardia. Epinephrine is an adrenergic agonist used in anaphylaxis and resuscitation. Thus, naloxone is the reversal agent for oxymorphone.