Opioid Receptor Antagonists

Opioid receptor antagonists are a class of drugs that block the action of opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). These receptors are responsible for mediating the effects of opioids, which include pain relief, sedation, and euphoria. Antagonists bind to opioid receptors without activating them, thereby preventing opioids from exerting their usual effects. This blockade can reverse the effects of opioid overdose, such as respiratory depression and sedation, making opioid antagonists crucial in emergency medicine and addiction treatment.