Which of the following drugs can reverse the effect of opioids?

• A. Succinylcholine and vancuronium
• B. Nalorphine and naloxone
• C. Pentobarbital and thiopental
• D. Diazepam and midazolam

Answer: (B)

When you want to reverse the effects of opioids, you use drugs that block the opioid receptors rather than depress or sedate further. Opioid antagonists bind strongly to mu receptors and displace the opioid agonists, quickly restoring breathing and consciousness. The classic and most effective agent is naloxone, which reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression and sedation by occupying those receptors.

Nalorphine also acts as an antagonist at opioid receptors and can counteract opioid effects, though it can have its own effects and isn’t as clean or predictable as naloxone. The pair including both these antagonists is capable of reversing opioid influence. In contrast, the other options involve muscle relaxants or general CNS depressants that do not reverse opioid effects and can even worsen sedation or respiratory depression.