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Ventilatory effects of single, high‐dose triazolam in awake human subjects
Author(s) -
Skatrud James B,
Begle Robert L,
Busch Michael A
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
clinical pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.941
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1532-6535
pISSN - 0009-9236
DOI - 10.1038/clpt.1988.212
Subject(s) - triazolam , anesthesia , placebo , benzodiazepine , hypnotic , respiratory minute volume , ventilation (architecture) , morphine , respiratory system , pharmacology , medicine , receptor , mechanical engineering , alternative medicine , engineering , pathology
The respiratory‐depressant effect of the benzodiazepine‐derived hypnotic triazolam was investigated with a single oral dose at two and three times the usual dosage in 62 awake normal subjects. A randomized, double‐blind protocol compared the following groups: (1) placebo, (2) triazolam, 1.0 mg, (3) triazolam, 1.5 mg, and (4) morphine, 0.15 mg/kg. Differences between predrug and postdrug administration were compared. Minute ventilation (Ve), end‐tidal Pco 2 , and the ventilatory response to CO 2 (Ve/Pco 2 ) were preserved with both 1.0 mg and 1.5 mg triazolam compared with placebo. Triazolam caused an increase in breathing frequency (+ 21% to 50%; p < 0.05) as a result of a shortening of inspiratory time. Triazolam was associated with a higher Ve corrected for CO 2 production and Ve/Pco 2 compared with morphine. We concluded that a single dose of triazolam at two and three times the usual level does not cause respiratory depression in awake, normal subjects but does alter respiratory cycle timing causing an increase in breathing frequency. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1988) 44 , 684–689; doi: 10.1038/clpt.1988.212