[Clinical effect of buprenorphine in ureteral colic]

Buprenorphine, a new analgesic, was administered at a dose of 0.2 mg by intramuscular injection to 21 patients with acute ureteral colic. The patients consisted of 14 males and 7 females with a mean age of 42. In all cases, the diagnosis was confirmed based on intravenous urography performed after the treatment. In 19 of the 21 patients, colicky pain was reduced at least within one hour after the administration of buprenorphine. No significant changes in the pulse or blood pressure were observed. In 6 patients, mild dizziness or nausea was observed, and none of the patients required withdrawal of the treatment. Clinical use of buprenorphine was considered to the effective and safe in patients with ureteral colic.