| Abstrakt: |
The effect on respiration of 14-hydroxydihydromorphinone was tested in 16 patients, 6 healthy young men, and 10 older patients with cardiovascular, pulmonary, or hepatic disease. After subcutaneous injection of 1.5 mg. of the drug (said to be equivalent to 15 mg. of morphine) changes in minute ventilation, respiratory rate, and tidal volume were determined and related to oxygen saturation, carbon dioxide tension, and pH of arterial blood. Definite depression of respiration and a marked reduction in sensitivity of the respiratory center to carbon dioxide stimulation were observed in all 16 subjects. The respiratory depression was subclinical in the young, normal subjects but was usually apparent in the 10 older patients. Caution must be exercised with doses of this amount in elderly persons and in patients such as those with cardiovascular, pulmonary, or hepatic disease, who are known to be sensitive to central nervous system depressants. |
