Which medication is used to reverse a narcotic overdose?

Naloxone is the medication specifically designed to reverse narcotic overdoses. It is an opioid antagonist that works by competitively binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, thereby displacing the opioid molecules that are causing the respiratory depression and sedation associated with overdose. This rapid action can restore normal breathing and consciousness in individuals who have overdosed on narcotics.

Naloxone's effectiveness and quick onset make it a vital tool in emergency situations involving opioid overdoses. It can be administered intranasally or via injection, allowing for swift intervention when a person shows signs of an overdose, such as unresponsiveness or decreased respiratory drive.

Other medications listed serve different purposes: Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist, primarily used for benzodiazepine overdoses; Acetylcysteine is an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity; whereas Atropine is used to treat bradycardia and certain types of poisoning but has no effect on narcotics. Understanding these differences is crucial in emergency medicine to ensure the right treatment is provided for specific drug overdoses.