Question

Difficulty: EasySubstance-Related and Addictive Disorders

Match each clinical scenario to the most appropriate pharmacologic intervention.

  • A 35-year-old man with alcohol use disorder, normal liver function, and a strong desire to reduce heavy drinking days.Naltrexone
  • A 45-year-old man with alcohol use disorder and decompensated cirrhosis who is motivated to maintain abstinence.Acamprosate
  • A 28-year-old pregnant woman with opioid use disorder seeking long-term maintenance treatment.Buprenorphine
  • A 24-year-old man with pinpoint pupils and a respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min after suspected substance use.Naloxone

Answer

The correct matching pairs the patient with normal liver function to naltrexone, the patient with cirrhosis to acamprosate, the pregnant patient with opioid use disorder to buprenorphine, and the acutely overdosed patient to naloxone.
Each medication accurately targets the specific substance use disorder stage (maintenance vs. acute intoxication) while honoring patient-specific contraindications, such as pregnancy or hepatic impairment.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the 35-year-old man with alcohol use disorder and normal liver function.
Matches with Naltrexone.
Naltrexone is a first-line agent for alcohol use disorder and is safe when liver function is intact.
2
Evaluate the 45-year-old man with alcohol use disorder and decompensated cirrhosis.
Matches with Acamprosate.
Acamprosate is renally excreted, making it safe in severe hepatic impairment, unlike hepatotoxic alternatives.
3
Evaluate the 28-year-old pregnant woman with opioid use disorder seeking maintenance.
Matches with Buprenorphine.
Buprenorphine prevents opioid withdrawal and is an indicated, safe maintenance therapy during pregnancy.
4
Evaluate the 24-year-old man with pinpoint pupils and bradypnea.
Matches with Naloxone.
The presentation is a classic opioid overdose, requiring immediate reversal with naloxone.

Key Concept

Pharmacotherapy and acute management for substance use disorders
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