N-ALLYL NORMORPHINE: AN ANTAGONIST TO THE OPIATES

Abstract

In the 1st study large doses of various opiates were admd. before and during N2O-O2 anesthesia for minor operations. N-Allylnormorphine was rapidly injd. intraven. in 10-40 mg. doses, and the effect of the drug observed for from 1-12 hrs. Larger doses of the antagonist, which were more effective than the 10 mg. doses, produced a 30-40 mm. blood pressure rise in patients though pressure had not been depressed by narcosis. When an awakening action was evident, it was sometimes marked, but was not sustained, for the patient would go back to sleep within 30 min. For the narcotic-depressed patients, N-allylnormorphine doubled or tripled the respiratory rate and increased respiratory minute volume as much as 250%. When normal volunteer subjects received 5-10 mg. doses of the drug, depression of respiration and blood pressure occurred. In the 2d study, 132 patients medicated with 0.2-0.3 g. secobarbital Na, 200 mg. meperidine, and 0.7 mg. scopolamine HBr over 5 hrs. before delivery, received N-allylnormorphine just prior to delivery. The time for the newborn to gasp and to establish cry was shortened significantly. 0.1 mg. N-allylnormorphine in 2 cc. soln. was given into the umbilical vein of infants who failed to breathe, were cyanosed, or had poor muscle tone; on each occasion the result was most satisfactory, with establishment of respiration within 1 min. and improvement in color and muscle tone. There was no stimulation of the mothers with the amt. of N-allylnormorphine used.