Which medications are used for pharmacologic management of neonatal abstinence syndrome?

• A. Morphine or methadone
• B. Acetaminophen
• C. Ibuprofen
• D. Dextrose

Answer: (A)

Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs when a baby experiences withdrawal after in utero opioid exposure. The main pharmacologic approach is opioid replacement therapy: giving a controlled opioid such as morphine or methadone to the infant and then gradually tapering the dose as withdrawal symptoms decrease. This method directly addresses the withdrawal biology and helps stabilize the infant as they wean off opioids.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used for comfort if there is associated pain or fever, but they do not treat the withdrawal process itself and are not the primary pharmacologic management. Dextrose is unrelated to NAS treatment and is used for metabolic issues like hypoglycemia.