Which of the following is a contraindication to naloxone?

• A. Chronic hypertension
• B. Diabetes mellitus
• C. Newborns with narcotic addicted mothers
• D. Allergic rhinitis

Answer: (C)

Naloxone works by displacing opioids from mu receptors to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression. In newborns whose mothers used opioids, the infant often becomes opioid-dependent. Giving naloxone to these newborns can abruptly reverse the opioids, triggering neonatal withdrawal, which can be severe and destabilizing (irritability, tachycardia, hypertension, vomiting, tremors, seizures). Because of this risk, it is considered a contraindication in this specific scenario.

The other conditions listed don’t inherently prevent naloxone use. Chronic hypertension and diabetes don’t affect how naloxone works, and allergic rhinitis would only be a contraindication if there were a known allergy to naloxone.