Opioids · Pharmacology

Which of the following is a mixed agonist-antagonist that can precipitate withdrawal in a patient already physically dependent on a full Mu-agonist?

  1. Hydrocodone
  2. Heroin
  3. Methadone
  4. Pentazocine
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Correct answer: Pentazocine

Pentazocine acts as a Kappa-agonist but an antagonist or weak partial agonist at Mu-receptors. If given to a patient dependent on full agonists (like morphine), it will compete for the Mu-receptors and trigger an acute withdrawal syndrome.

Difficulty: Medium Question 15 of 20

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