The narcotic nalbuphine (Nubain) not only binds to opiate receptor sites to provide analgesia, but it also prevents other opioids, such as morphine sulfate, from binding to these sites, lessening respiratory depression. These characteristics make the drug a(n):
A) agonist-antagonist.
B) competitive antagonist.
C) competitive agonist.
D) agonist.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nalbuphine is both an agonist (binding to opiate receptors to provide pain relief) and an antagonist (preventing other opioids from binding to these receptors). Therefore, it is classified as an agonist-antagonist.

The Narcotic Nalbuphine (Nubain) Not Only Binds to Opiate Receptor