Effect of nitrazepam and flurazepam on the ventilatory response to carbon dioxide. Issue 5 (October 1976)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Geddes, D M; Rudolf, M; Saunders, K B
• Is Part Of: Thorax. Volume 31:Issue 5(1976)
• Page Start: 548
• Page End: 551
• Publication Date: 1976-10
• Subjects: Chest -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Thorax; Chest -- Diseases; Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.54
• DOI: 10.1136/thx.31.5.548
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0040-6376

Abstract

Abstract : Ventilatory response to CO2 was measured before and after two different benzodiazepine hypnotics in both chronic bronchitics and patients without chest disease. Flurazepam, but not nitrazepam, produced a significant decrease in CO2 sensitivity, although there was no significant change in FEV1 or mixed venous PCO2. This is the first unequivocal evidence of central depression of respiration by a benzodiazepine and may be the mechanism by which benzodiazepines cause deterioration in patients with respiratory failure.