Opiate detox for pregnant women uses which medication?

• A. Methadone
• B. Buprenorphine
• C. Naltrexone
• D. Naloxone

Answer: (A)

Maintaining steady opioid receptor activity to prevent withdrawal is essential in pregnant patients with opioid dependence. Methadone is a long-acting full opioid agonist that can be dosed to suppress withdrawal symptoms and reduce illicit opioid use, providing a stable intrauterine environment and safer outcomes for both mother and fetus. Its extensive safety data and long track record in pregnancy make it the standard choice for detox and maintenance in this context. Naloxone and naltrexone are opioid antagonists; using them would precipitate withdrawal and are not used for detox in pregnancy. Buprenorphine, a partial agonist, is also used in pregnancy and can be an option for some patients, sometimes with favorable neonatal outcomes, but methadone remains the classic choice in many practices and exams.