Question 1: Antidote for benzodiazepine poisoning: FMGE 10, 13; NEET 14
- A. Flumazenil (Correct Answer)
- B. Naloxone
- C. Atropine
- D. N-acetyl-cysteine
Explanation: ***Flumazenil***
- **Flumazenil** is a competitive **benzodiazepine receptor antagonist** that can reverse the sedative and other central nervous system effects of benzodiazepines.
- It works by blocking benzodiazepines from binding to their receptor sites on the **GABA-A receptor complex**.
*Naloxone*
- **Naloxone** is a competitive **opioid receptor antagonist** used to reverse opioid overdose.
- It has no effect on **benzodiazepine toxicity** as it targets different receptor systems.
*Atropine*
- **Atropine** is an **anticholinergic drug** used to reverse the effects of **cholinergic poisoning** (e.g., from organophosphates, carbamates) or symptomatic bradycardia.
- It works on muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and is not involved in benzodiazepine metabolism or action.
*N-acetyl-cysteine*
- **N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)** is primarily used as an antidote for **acetaminophen (paracetamol) poisoning**, where it replenishes glutathione.
- It is also used in some cases of mucolysis but has no role in reversing benzodiazepine toxicity.