Effect of a new analeptic drug, almitrine, on fentanyl-induced respiratory depression and analgesia in man

Abstract

Five female patients received fentanyl 0.0066 mg kg-1 i.v. (group A); five other female patients received the same dose of fentanyl, followed immediately by almitrine 0.5mg kg-1 i.v. (group B) and 20 minor gynaecological operations were performed under a combination of almitrine 0.5mgkg-1 and fentanyl 0.0066 mg kg-1 (groupC). In group A, fentanyl produced a marked and significant respiratory depression (P < 0.001). In group B and C, almitrine antagonized the fentanyl-induced respiratory depression. Analgesia did not seem to be affected. © 1982 The Macmillan Press Ltd.