What is the treatment for opioid withdrawal in newborns?

• A. Antibiotics
• B. Phototherapy
• C. Opioid therapy like methadone or morphine
• D. Vitamin K

Answer: (C)

When a newborn has opioid withdrawal, the goal is to replace the opioids in a controlled way and then gradually taper them off, so the baby’s withdrawal symptoms are managed safely. Using opioid therapy such as morphine or methadone provides a steady, moderate level of opioid effect to smooth out autonomic instability, irritability, feeding difficulties, and sweating that come with withdrawal. This approach prevents the severe, crying, tremors, poor feeding, and dehydration that can occur if withdrawal is treated too abruptly. Over several days to weeks, the dose is slowly reduced as the infant stabilizes, allowing them to wean off opioids safely.

Supportive, nonpharmacologic care in a calm, low-stimulation environment helps as well—swaddling, skin-to-skin contact when possible, small, frequent feeds, and careful fluid/electrolyte management.

Other options don’t address withdrawal directly. Antibiotics would treat infection, not withdrawal; phototherapy is used for newborn jaundice; vitamin K is given to prevent bleeding.