Which medication reverses SHA intoxication?

Which medication reverses SHA intoxication?

• A. Naloxone
• B. Activated charcoal
• C. Flunitrazepam
• D. Flumazenil

Answer: (D)

Flumazenil reverses benzodiazepine-related intoxication by acting as a competitive antagonist at the benzodiazepine binding site on the GABA-A receptor. By blocking this site, it displaces the benzodiazepine and rapidly restores CNS activity, reversing sedation and other depressant effects. It’s the appropriate reversal when the overdose or sedation is due to a benzodiazepine. Keep in mind the cautions: it can trigger seizures in people who are benzodiazepine-dependent or who have mixed overdoses, so it’s used with careful monitoring. Naloxone reverses opioid toxicity, not benzodiazepine effects. Activated charcoal helps reduce further absorption if given soon after ingestion but does not reverse existing intoxication. Flunitrazepam is a benzodiazepine itself and would worsen rather than reverse sedation.

Flumazenil reverses benzodiazepine-related intoxication by acting as a competitive antagonist at the benzodiazepine binding site on the GABA-A receptor. By blocking this site, it displaces the benzodiazepine and rapidly restores CNS activity, reversing sedation and other depressant effects. It’s the appropriate reversal when the overdose or sedation is due to a benzodiazepine.

Keep in mind the cautions: it can trigger seizures in people who are benzodiazepine-dependent or who have mixed overdoses, so it’s used with careful monitoring. Naloxone reverses opioid toxicity, not benzodiazepine effects. Activated charcoal helps reduce further absorption if given soon after ingestion but does not reverse existing intoxication. Flunitrazepam is a benzodiazepine itself and would worsen rather than reverse sedation.