Detox Detox Medications and Pharmacology

Question 1

What is the mechanism of action of naltrexone in treating alcohol use disorder after detox?

Accepted Answer

It binds opioid receptors and reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol

Answer

Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors involved in alcohol's reward pathway, reducing the pleasurable effects of drinking and decreasing cravings.

Question 2

Which benzodiazepine is preferred for alcohol detox in patients with severe liver disease?

Accepted Answer

Lorazepam (Ativan)

Answer

Lorazepam is preferred in liver disease because it undergoes direct glucuronidation without active metabolites, reducing accumulation risk.

Question 3

What is the risk of administering glucose-containing IV fluids BEFORE thiamine in a malnourished alcoholic?

Accepted Answer

Precipitating Wernicke's encephalopathy by depleting remaining thiamine stores

Answer

Giving glucose before thiamine in a thiamine-deficient patient can acutely deplete remaining thiamine, precipitating Wernicke's encephalopathy.

Question 4

Disulfiram (Antabuse) is used in alcohol use disorder treatment by which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Causing an aversive reaction when alcohol is consumed by blocking acetaldehyde metabolism

Answer

Disulfiram inhibits acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, causing acetaldehyde buildup when alcohol is consumed, producing a highly unpleasant reaction.

Question 5

Which medication is used in opioid detox to suppress withdrawal symptoms by acting as a partial opioid agonist?

Accepted Answer

Buprenorphine

Answer

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that activates opioid receptors sufficiently to relieve withdrawal symptoms without producing full euphoric effects.

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Detox Detox Medications and Pharmacology