Question 1
Which of the following drugs acts as a competitive benzodiazepine receptor antagonist:
- A. Naloxone
- B. Flumazenil
- C. Flurazepam
- D. Disulfuram
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Flumazenil
A competitive benzodiazepine receptor antagonist binds to the GABAa receptor's benzodiazepine site, preventing agonists like diazepam from exerting effects, without activating the receptor itself. Flumazenil is this antagonist, used to reverse benzodiazepine overdose (e.g., reversing sedation or respiratory depression) by competitively displacing agonists. Naloxone (choice A) is an opioid antagonist, targeting mu receptors to reverse opioid overdose, not benzodiazepine-related. Flurazepam (choice C) is a benzodiazepine agonist, promoting GABA effects, not blocking them. Disulfuram (choice D, likely misspelled) inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase for alcoholism treatment, unrelated to benzodiazepine receptors. Flumazenil's specificity and competitive nature make it the correct choice. This question emphasizes antidote recognition, critical in emergency settings to counteract CNS depression, distinguishing it from other reversal agents like Naloxone.