Which term refers to a drug given to reverse the effects of a previously given drug?

Which term refers to a drug given to reverse the effects of a previously given drug?

• A. Adverse drug effect
• B. Hypersensitivity
• C. Idiosyncrasy
• D. Antidote

Answer: (D)

An antidote is a drug given to reverse the effects of another drug. It works by counteracting the original medication—binding to the same targets, neutralizing the substance, or restoring normal physiological function. For example, naloxone reverses opioid effects by competing for opioid receptors, protamine sulfate neutralizes heparin, and vitamin K reverses warfarin. Other terms describe different concepts: adverse drug effects are unwanted effects, hypersensitivity is an allergic reaction, and idiosyncrasy is an unpredictable, atypical response. Antidotes may not always fully reverse effects, and timing matters.

An antidote is a drug given to reverse the effects of another drug. It works by counteracting the original medication—binding to the same targets, neutralizing the substance, or restoring normal physiological function. For example, naloxone reverses opioid effects by competing for opioid receptors, protamine sulfate neutralizes heparin, and vitamin K reverses warfarin. Other terms describe different concepts: adverse drug effects are unwanted effects, hypersensitivity is an allergic reaction, and idiosyncrasy is an unpredictable, atypical response. Antidotes may not always fully reverse effects, and timing matters.