Benzodiazepine Reversal — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: B — Flumazenil
The correct answer is B: Flumazenil. Flumazenil is a specific benzodiazepine-receptor antagonist and the standard reversal agent for midazolam-induced excessive sedation and respiratory depression in UK dental conscious sedation. It is an essential requirement in all settings where intravenous midazolam is administered, and is confirmed by NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service protocols and UK dental service guidelines. Flumazenil acts as a competitive benzodiazepine antagonist and rapidly reverses central nervous system depression. Distractors fail because: B (Naloxone) reverses opioids, not benzodiazepines; C (Atropine) is an anticholinergic used for bradycardia or cholinergic toxicity; D (Neostigmine) reverses neuromuscular blockade; E (Sugammadex) antagonises neuromuscular blocking agents. Only flumazenil has the specific pharmacological action required.
Reference: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (2026). Flumazenil injection for reversal of midazolam. https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/flumazenil-injection-for-reversal-of-midazolam/