Afshari R, Maxwell SRJ, Bateman DN. Hemodynamic effects of methadone and dihydrocodeine in overdose.
Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2009;
45:763-72. [PMID:
17852162 DOI:
10.1080/15563650701502691]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Opioid overdose is an increasing health problem worldwide. The cardiovascular toxicity of opioids contributes to morbidity and mortality in overdose but the hemodynamic effects of opioids reported in animal and human studies are contradictory.
METHODS
We performed a prospective observational study of patients admitted to hospital following an overdose of methadone, dihydrocodeine, or low dose paracetamol (10 each). Basic cardiovascular indices including peripheral blood pressure, pulse rate, radial augmentation index and derived measures of aortic systolic, diastolic, pulse, and mean and end systolic pressures were measured every six hours for up to 18-23 hours after exposure or until hospital discharge.
RESULTS
Dihydrocodeine and methadone significantly reduced peripheral and aortic systolic, mean and end systolic pressures. Both opioids significantly decreased peripheral pulse pressure, but only methadone decreased aortic blood pressure. Dihydrocodeine reduced systemic and aortic diastolic blood pressure, an effect not induced by methadone. Methadone significantly reduced peripheral pulse pressure. Augmentation index and heart rate, however, did not change. Both opioids decreased arterial oxygen saturation.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that dihydrocodeine and methadone in overdose both have a significant effect on central and peripheral hemodynamics. These effects might be expected to reduce cardiac afterload, providing a pharmacological explanation for the apparent benefit of opioids in cardiovascular diseases.
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