title: Nalbuphine and pentazocine in an opioid-benzodiazepine sedative technique: a double-blind comparison.
abstract: Sedation by a combination of an opioid drug such as pentazocine with a benzodiazepine is commonly used for minor surgical and investigative procedures. Nalbuphine is a newer drug which, like pentazocine, is an opioid agonist-antagonist. Its actions are similar, but it has theoretical advantages in its profile of cardiovascular side effects. Nalbuphine or pentazocine in combination with diazepam were compared as components of a sedative technique for invasive radiology. The doses used were in the ratio of 2.5:1--ie nalbuphine 0.2 mg kg-1 and pentazocine 0.5 mg kg-1. Both regimens gave satisfactory results, and no difference could be detected between them in terms of sedation, analgesic efficacy, cardiovascular or respiratory changes, or recovery. Nalbuphine provides a safe and effective alternative to pentazocine in this situation. The study confirmed the need for caution because of the respiratory depressant effects of both drugs.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000698:Analgesia; D001027:Aortography; D002758:Cholangiography; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009019:Morphinans / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009266:Nalbuphine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010423:Pentazocine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011292:Premedication
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D009019:Morphinans; D009266:Nalbuphine; D003975:Diazepam; D010423:Pentazocine