Which of the following is a side effect of naloxone?

Which of the following is a side effect of naloxone?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Pulmonary edema
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Tachycardia

Answer: (C)

Naloxone rapidly blocks opioid receptors to reverse opioid effects. If the patient is opioid-dependent, this abrupt reversal can precipitate withdrawal, which shows up as sympathetic activation and gastrointestinal upset. Nausea and vomiting are classic, frequently observed effects of naloxone administration during withdrawal, making this the most characteristic side effect among the options. Hypertension and tachycardia can occur as part of withdrawal, but they are less consistently observed and not as specifically tied to naloxone’s immediate adverse effect. Pulmonary edema is not a typical direct side effect of naloxone.

Naloxone rapidly blocks opioid receptors to reverse opioid effects. If the patient is opioid-dependent, this abrupt reversal can precipitate withdrawal, which shows up as sympathetic activation and gastrointestinal upset. Nausea and vomiting are classic, frequently observed effects of naloxone administration during withdrawal, making this the most characteristic side effect among the options. Hypertension and tachycardia can occur as part of withdrawal, but they are less consistently observed and not as specifically tied to naloxone’s immediate adverse effect. Pulmonary edema is not a typical direct side effect of naloxone.