Key result
Intravenous heroin decreased heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature in both opiate-dependent and non-dependent subjects, with dependent subjects demonstrating tolerance through a faster recovery of pre-drug respiration rates.
Why the study?
Does intravenous heroin alter cardiovascular, respiratory, and temperature responses in dependent and non-dependent humans?
Population
23 volunteers, including 5 non-dependent males and 18 opiate-dependent subjects receiving maintenance doses…
Comparison
Intravenous heroin administered at doses of 2.5… vs Intravenous saline placebo.
Design
Other, Random order for doses in non-dependent subjects., Blood pressure was…
Follow-up
2 hours
Authors
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Alerts clinicians to monitor vital signs in heroin users; extends acute tolerance data but leaves open chronic cardiovascular implications.
Does intravenous heroin alter cardiovascular, respiratory, and temperature responses in dependent and non-dependent humans?
Intravenous heroin induces non-specific cardiovascular depression and thermoregulatory failure in both dependent and non-dependent individuals, with tolerance observed primarily in respiratory responses.
Kh et al. (1980) studied Opiate dependence (n=23). Intravenous heroin (diamorphine) vs. Saline placebo was evaluated on Physiological responses (heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, body temperature). Intravenous heroin decreased heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature in both opiate-dependent and non-dependent subjects, with dependent subjects demonstrating tolerance through a faster recovery of pre-drug respiration rates.
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