Which medication is used to treat an opioid overdose and what is the correct dose?

Naloxone is the medication specifically used to treat opioid overdoses, and it functions as a competitive antagonist at mu-opioid receptors. This means it can effectively reverse the life-threatening respiratory depression and sedation caused by opioid toxicity. The typical initial dose for naloxone in an opioid overdose scenario is 0.4 mg, which can be administered via the intravenous route among others, depending on the situation and availability of administration methods.

Effective use of naloxone can restore adequate breathing and consciousness within moments, making it a critical intervention in emergency situations involving opioid overdose. If the patient does not respond to the initial dose, it may be repeated every 2 to 3 minutes, with doses increased as necessary, ensuring that the focus remains on monitoring the patient's response.

The other medications listed do not serve the purpose of reversing opioid overdose. Fentanyl, while an opioid, would exacerbate the overdose condition rather than treat it. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is used for pain relief and has no role in treating opioid overdose, while morphine is also an opioid that can worsen the effects of an overdose. Thus, naloxone stands out as the correct choice for this situation.