A 30-year-old man with serotonin syndrome has been managed with cooling, IV fluids, and benzodiazepines, but agitation, myoclonus, and hyperthermia persist. Which drug is the specific pharmacological antidote for this condition?
- A Bromocriptine
- B Naloxone
- C Cyproheptadine ✓
- D Flumazenil
Correct answer: C. Cyproheptadine
Explanation
Cyproheptadine is a potent 5-HT2A receptor antagonist and is the accepted antidote for serotonin syndrome; typical dosing begins with 12 mg orally or via nasogastric tube, followed by 2 mg every 2 hours for persistent symptoms. Bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist used in neuroleptic malignant syndrome, not serotonin syndrome, and naloxone and flumazenil reverse opioids and benzodiazepines respectively, neither of which addresses serotonergic excess.
Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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