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Benzodiazepine Reversal — NDEB AFK MCQ

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EasyPharmacologyBenzodiazepine ReversalNDEB AFK

Which drug reverses the effects of benzodiazepine sedation?

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Correct answer: AFlumazenil

Flumazenil is a competitive benzodiazepine receptor antagonist that reverses the sedative, anxiolytic, and respiratory depressant effects of benzodiazepines (midazolam, diazepam). The initial dose is 0.2 mg IV over 15 seconds, repeated at 1-minute intervals (max 1 mg for initial reversal). Re-sedation may occur because flumazenil's half-life (40-80 min) is shorter than most benzodiazepines. Naloxone reverses opioid effects, not benzodiazepines.

Reference: Malamed – Sedation: A Guide to Patient Management, 6th ed., 2018