What medication is initially given for a suspected opioid overdose?

The correct choice for a suspected opioid overdose is naloxone. This medication is an opioid antagonist, which means it works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as opioids but without producing the same effects. By occupying these receptors, naloxone effectively reverses the effects of opioids, including respiratory depression, sedation, and potential death associated with overdose situations.

In cases of opioid overdose, timely administration of naloxone can significantly improve the patient’s chance of survival by restoring normal breathing and consciousness. It can be delivered through various routes, including intranasal and intramuscular, making it accessible for emergency responders and even bystanders.

Other medications listed may not be suitable for treating opioid overdose. For example, atropine is primarily used for bradycardia, flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist, and adrenaline is typically used in cases of anaphylaxis or cardiac arrest. Each of these options does not address the specific need to counteract the effects of opioids, which is why naloxone is the appropriate choice in this scenario.