Which of the following is a potential adverse effect of Naloxone?

Prepare for the New South Wales Ambulance Pharmacology Exam with comprehensive quizzes featuring flashcards and multiple choice questions. Master the material with detailed hints and explanations to boost your confidence and ensure success.

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist primarily used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Its primary action is to displace opioids from their receptors, which can precipitate opioid withdrawal symptoms in individuals who are opioid-dependent. As a result, if an individual who has developed physical dependence on opioids is administered naloxone, the sudden removal of the opioids from the receptors can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may include agitation, nausea, vomiting, and generalized discomfort.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial in clinical practice, especially when naloxone is administered in emergency settings to reverse an overdose. The occurrence of withdrawal upon administering naloxone is a recognized and significant effect that healthcare providers must be prepared to manage.

The other options, while they may represent various risks associated with different medications or clinical situations, do not typically pertain to naloxone itself. For instance, visual disturbances, delayed healing, and respiratory infections are not common adverse effects linked to naloxone but rather could be associated with other drug reactions or underlying health issues. This makes opioid withdrawal the most pertinent response in the context of naloxone usage.

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