CAS Pharmacology & Medication-Assisted Treatment Flashcards

Methadone for opioid use disorder (OUD) must be dispensed through a federally certified:

Answer: Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)

Federal regulations require that methadone for OUD treatment be dispensed only through DEA-registered and SAMHSA-certified Opioid Treatment Programs.

Buprenorphine is classified pharmacologically as a:

Answer: Partial opioid agonist

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates opioid receptors but produces a ceiling effect that limits respiratory depression and abuse potential compared to full agonists.

Naloxone is combined with buprenorphine in Suboxone primarily to:

Answer: Deter intravenous misuse by precipitating withdrawal if injected

When Suboxone is taken sublingually as directed, naloxone has minimal effect, but if injected, naloxone precipitates immediate opioid withdrawal, deterring misuse.

Naltrexone (Vivitrol) for OUD works by:

Answer: Blocking opioid receptors, preventing opioids from producing euphoria

Naltrexone is a full opioid antagonist that competitively blocks opioid receptors, so if opioids are used, they cannot produce euphoria or reinforcement.

Which medication is FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder and works by causing an aversive reaction when alcohol is consumed?

Answer: Disulfiram

Disulfiram (Antabuse) inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing accumulation of acetaldehyde when alcohol is ingested, producing flushing, nausea, and palpitations as an aversive deterrent.

Acamprosate (Campral) is thought to support alcohol abstinence primarily by:

Answer: Restoring the glutamate/GABA balance disrupted by chronic alcohol use

Acamprosate modulates glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, helping to normalize the neurochemical imbalance that drives protracted withdrawal symptoms and craving.