ANALGESIC PROPERTIES OF MIXTURES OF CHLORPROMAZINE WITH MORPHINE AND MEPERIDINE

Abstract

Clinical observation of the enhanced effectiveness of narcotics given with chlorpromazine was reported by several investigators. This observation was tested in a clinically controlled double blind study. Analgesic properties of various doses of morphine sulfate, meperidine hydrochloride, chlorpromazine, and mixtures containing chlorpromazine with morphine or meperidine were observed in 211 postoperative patients. Results indicate that chlorpromazine alone is a mild analgesic. In a dose of 10 to 20 mg, pain relief was observed in 54 to 60% of patients lasting for 2.08 to 2.26 hours. Morphine sulfate 2.5 mg affords pain relief in 46% for 1.77 hours. Addition of chlorpromazine 10-20 mg to morphine sulfate 25 mg produces pain relief in 75-73% for 2.36 to 3.7 hours. This is to be compared to morphine sulfate 10 mg which produces pain relief in 82% for 2.9 hours. Previously administered chlorpromazine is shown to increase analgesic properties of subsequently administered morphine and certain morphine-chlorpromazine combinations. Chlorpromazine 10 mg or 20 mg when combined with meperidine 25 mg produces pain relief comparable to meperidine 75 mg.