4-AMINOPYRIDINE REVERSAL OF FENTANYL-INDUCED RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION IN NORMOCAPNIC AND HYPERCAPNIC PATIENTS

Abstract

Profound postoperative respiratory depression after larger doses of fentanyl was partially reversed by 4-aminopyridine. This reversal was independent of FIO2, suggesting that the response was not dependent upon peripheral chemoreceptor-mediated drive. Similar reversal of fentanyl-induced depression by 4-aminopyridine was observed before surgery in patients breathing 67% nitrous oxide in oxygen. 4-Aminopyridine had no effect on breathing when given alone in the absence of fentanyl to patients breathing 67% nitrous oxide in oxygen before surgery.