Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

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Which medication is used to treat benzodiazepine overdose?

Naloxone
Flumazenil
Activated charcoal
Glucagon

The correct answer is: Flumazenil

Flumazenil is a specific antagonist used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines, making it the appropriate choice for treating a benzodiazepine overdose. This medication works by competitively inhibiting the benzodiazepine binding site on the GABA-A receptor, which is crucial for mediating the effects of benzodiazepines such as sedation and respiratory depression. By administering flumazenil, the sedative effects caused by the overdose can be effectively reversed, potentially restoring normal breathing and consciousness in the affected individual. Other options have different roles in emergency medicine. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that specifically reverses the effects of opioid overdoses, not benzodiazepines. Activated charcoal can be used to prevent absorption of various substances if given shortly after ingestion but is not a reversal agent. Glucagon is typically used for treating severe hypoglycemia or beta-blocker overdose but has no role in reversing benzodiazepine effects. Therefore, flumazenil is the most suitable and direct treatment for benzodiazepine overdose situations.