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Related Experiment Videos

Dihydrocodeine for breathlessness in "pink puffers".

M A Johnson, A A Woodcock, D M Geddes

    British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
    |February 26, 1983
    PubMed
    Summary
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    Dihydrocodeine significantly reduces breathlessness and improves mobility in patients with chronic airflow obstruction. This medication offers a safe and effective option for managing severe breathing difficulties.

    Area of Science:

    • Respiratory Medicine
    • Clinical Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Chronic airflow obstruction causes severe breathlessness, impacting patient mobility and quality of life.
    • Opioid analgesics, like dihydrocodeine, are explored for their potential to alleviate respiratory symptoms.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the efficacy of dihydrocodeine 15 mg in reducing breathlessness and improving exercise tolerance in patients with severe chronic airflow obstruction.

    Main Methods:

    • A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover trial involving 18 patients.
    • Patients received dihydrocodeine 15 mg or placebo before exercise for two weeks, followed by alternate-day treatment in the third week.

    Main Results:

    • Dihydrocodeine treatment led to a 16.8% increase in mobility (pedometer distance) and a 17.8% reduction in breathlessness (visual analogue score).

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  • Treadmill testing showed a 16.5% increase in maximum walking distance and an 11.8% decrease in breathlessness compared to placebo.
  • No adverse effects were reported during the study.

    • Conclusions:

    • Dihydrocodeine 15 mg administered 30 minutes prior to exercise provides significant benefits for patients experiencing severe breathlessness due to chronic airflow obstruction.
    • The medication demonstrates a favorable safety profile and improves both subjective and objective measures of respiratory function and exercise capacity.