Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Carfentanil is used for chemical restraining and immobilization of wildlife species.
Statement (II): Carfentanil is a potent synthetic opioid whose action can be reversed by Naltrexone.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are false.
• C. Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false.
• D. Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true.

Hint:

Carfentanil (Wildnil) is so potent that accidental exposure in humans can be fatal.
Whenever it is used, human opioid antagonists (like naloxone) must be prepared and kept on hand for the safety of the veterinary team.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Carfentanil is an ultra-potent opioid drug used in veterinary medicine, primarily for the anesthetic management of large wild animals.
Detailed Explanation:
- Statement (I) Evaluation: Carfentanil is an analog of the synthetic opioid analgesic fentanyl.
It is exceptionally potent (approximately 10,000 times more potent than morphine).
Because of this extreme potency, very small volumes (commonly administered via dart) can successfully immobilize large, dangerous wild species like elephants, rhinos, and moose. Thus, Statement (I) is correct.
- Statement (II) Evaluation: Carfentanil acts as a highly selective agonist at $\mu$-opioid receptors.
Its anesthetic and respiratory depressant effects can be rapidly reversed by administering opioid antagonists.
In wildlife medicine, Naltrexone is the antagonist of choice.
Because naltrexone has a long half-life, it prevents the risk of "renarcotization" (where the animal falls back into anesthesia as the antagonist is metabolized faster than the highly lipophilic agonist). Thus, Statement (II) is correct.
Therefore, both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.

Step 2: Final Answer:
The correct option is (A).