Narcotic smuggling: the double condom sign.
The "double condom sign," on a plain film of the abdomen, can be used to identify smugglers who are concealing non-opaque narcotics within the gastrointestinal tract.
Canada↗
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Nalmefene: quantitation of a new narcotic antagonist in human plasma using high performance-liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.
A high performance-liquid chromatographic procedure employing electrochemical detection (LCEC) has been developed for the quantitation of a new narcotic antagonist, nalmefene, in human plasma. Following extraction of the plasma at pH9, the extract was chromatographed on a reverse-phase C18 column using naltrexone as an internal standard. An electrochemical detector equipped with a glassy carbon electrode monitored the elution of nalmefene and the internal standard. The method had a limit of sensitivity of 3 ng/ml of nalmefene using a 1 ml sample of plasma and the calibration curve was linear over a range of 3-200 ng/ml. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation did not exceed 6 and 12% respectively over the entire range of the calibration curve. The LCEC method has been used to quantitate the plasma concentrations of nalmefene in man following oral administration of 64 mg of the drug. In one subject, a peak plasma concentration of 58 ng/ml occurred 2 hr after drug administration and declined to 5 ng/ml after 24 hr.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
Development of drug delivery systems for use in treatment of narcotic addiction.
The long term goal of the NIDA narcotic antagonist program of developing an implantable, biodegradable, naltrexone/PLGA matrix system which will sustain the delivery of naltrexone to biological systems for one month has been achieved. The dosage forms which provide the desired delivery characteristics are 1.5 mm diameter beads composed of 70% by weight naltrexone base in 40,000 molecular weight, 90L/10G poly (L(+)-lactic-co-glycolic acid). Other dosage forms, including 1.5 mm diameter rods which provide 6 months' naltrexone release, finely divided injectable powders which provide up to 30 days' naltrexone release, and 1.5 mm diameter rods which provide 2 weeks' sustained delivery of morphine, have also been investigated. In vitro and in vivo release rates have been determined by measuring chemical concentrations in pH 7 buffer solution and urine, respectively. In vivo efficacy of naltrexone sustained delivery devices has been measured by direct challenge with morphine (Dewey-Harris mouse tail-flick test) and inhibition of morphine self-administration in monkeys. Good Manufacturing Practices documentation has been developed and used to produce a large batch of the 1.5 mm diameter naltrexone bead dosage forms at an FDA-registered pharmaceutical manufacturer. These beads, produced at the University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy, are awaiting use in human clinical trials.
Animals↗
Biodegradable drug delivery systems based on aliphatic polyesters: application to contraceptives and narcotic antagonists.
The classes of polymer which form the basis of different types of drug delivery systems are discussed, and the relationships between the chemical structure of the polymer and its permeability, morphology, biodegradability, and mechanical properties are considered, using polyesters as specific examples. Studies of the permeability and biodegradability of poly epsilon-caprolactone), poly(DL-lactic acid), and various copolymers are described and used to illustrate how these properties may be varied by the choice of polymer structure. An induction period prior to bioerosion of these polymers, coupled with high permeability, permits their use as reservoir devices (capsules) which exhibit constant, diffusion-controlled drug release rates and which erode after the drug is exhausted. The applications of this approach to the long term delivery (1 year) of levonorgestrel, a contraceptive agent, and the short term delivery (1-2 months) of naltrexone, a narcotic antagonist, are described.
Animals↗
Epidemiologic field units on narcotic-related problems.
Much more understanding is needed of the epidemiology of narcotic-related problems. This paper describes a research strategy which is responsive to the heterogeneous nature of such problems. It is suggested that it is feasible and useful to establish, for defined geographic areas, epidemiologic field units which would have continuity, be comprehensive and develop programmatically relevant information on a timely basis. The possible areas of inquiry and the components of such a unit are discussed.
Canada↗
Cardiopulmonary effects of narcotic agonists and a partial agonist in horses.
The cardiopulmonary effects of the narcotic agonists morphine, meperidine, oxymorphone, and methadone and of the partial agonist pentazocine were examined in the pain-free adult horse. The drugs produced dysphoric followed by euphoric effects. Increases in heart rate, arterial blood pressure, and cardiac output were observed in all horses with all drugs. Arterial blood pressure remained increased even after heart rate and cardiac output had returned to base-line values. Respiratory rate generally remained unchanged or increased shortly after drug administration and then decreased insignificantly (P less than 0.05) below base-line values at later times. Arterial pH and blood gas values (Paco2, Pao2) did not change.
Animals↗
Recognizing and helping narcotic addicts in general practice.
It is rare for many general practitioners to be consulted by a narcotic addict. It can be a disturbing experience. Those who practise in urban areas of low socioeconomic status where there is high youth unemployment are more likely to meet addicted young people, but the experiences are uneven, even in this context.
Australia↗
[Chemical-toxicological diagnosis in 16 cases of "intravenous narcotism" deaths (author's transl)].
The chemical-toxicological diagnosis aspects involved in 16 cases of "intravenous narcotism" deaths are discussed. Liquids and biological materials were directly tested by RIA, GLC and TLC. According to the Authors, RIA is assumed to be more speedy and more sensitive than traditional chemical technics. Therefore RIA is proposed for quantitative determination of morfina and its derivates in biological liquids and viscera, previous the qualitative confirmation by the chemical tests.
Chromatography, Gas↗
[Alcohol, drugs and narcotics in suicides in the Aarhus police district].
For a period of one year all suicides in Aarhus police district were investigated with a view to identifying the presence of alcohol or drugs in the body of the deceased. Fifty-one suicides occurred, 46 of which were examined. One third of the suicides were due to poisoning and one fourth to hanging. Alcohol was detected in 20% and drugs or narcotics were found in approximately 60%. The most frequent findings were benzodiazepines, analgetics, antidepressants and carbon monoxide. Approximately 40% of the deceased had received psychiatric treatment.
Adult↗
[Diversified prescription of narcotics to heroin addicts. Basis, design, research plan].
The measures taken by the National Government in 1991 against drug problems in Switzerland included new therapeutic experimentation; among others, it mentioned trials with diversified prescription of narcotics (including injectable heroin, morphine and methadone as well as smokable heroin and cocaine) to heroin-dependent persons with severe health and/or social problems. The number of persons receiving heroin is limited to 250, for a period not exceeding the end of 1996. The trials have to respond to scientific criteria of evaluation as well as to standards of comprehensive care. Research questions concern the feasibility, the efficacy and the cost effectiveness of trials in comparison with usual methadone maintenance programs. First trials started in Zurich, others are planned in Basle, Berne, Fribourg, Olten, Schaffhausen, Thun and Zug.
Clinical Trials as Topic↗
Effects of morphine and narcotic antagonists on avoidance behavior of the squirrel monkey.
The effects of morphine, cyclazocine and nalorphine were evaluated on the continuous avoidance behavior of the squirrel monkey with schedule parameters similar to those used in previous studies on the rat. With this schedule, a lever-pressing response postponed or terminated the delivery of an electric shock to the monkey's tail. Dose-response curves were determined for each drug administered alone and in combination with 1.0 mg/kg of naloxone. In the 1st hour of a 4-hour session, avoidance responding was increased slightly by low doses of morphine and cyclazocine and was decreased by higher doses; nalorphine only increased responding at all doses tested. In hour 4 of the session, the effects of morphine were similar to those at hour 1; cyclazocine produced only a dose-related increase in response rate and nalorphine had no effect on responding. All drug effects were blocked by naloxone. The effects of these drugs in the monkey are qualitatively similar to those described for behavior maintained under similar schedule contingencies in the rat, although quantitative differences in drug effects between the two species are apparent. Nalorphine, naloxone and naltrexone were also compared in reversing the depression of avoidance behavior induced by 10 mg/kg of morphine. As antagonists of the response-rate decreasing effects of this dose of morphine, the relative potencies of naltrexone:naloxone:nalorphine were 30:10:1 in hour 1, and 100:10:1 in hour 4. The durations of action of naloxone and nalorphine were equivalent and were shorter than that of naltrexone. The potencies and durations of action for reversing morphine-induced depression of the avoidance behavior of the squirrel monkey are similar to those derived from tests involving the precipitation of abstinence by these narcotic antagonists in morphine-dependent rhesus monkeys as well as in human volunteers.
Animals↗
[The frequency characteristics of the reaction to the intravenous self-administration of narcotics].
Rat experiments have shown that the histograms of intervals between the self-injections of narcotic analgesics (morphine, promedol, buprenorphine) and psychomotor stimulants (cocaine, amphetamine) were essentially different. The quantitative measures of these differences are presented as discrepancy coefficients in the interval distribution between self-injections. The computerized "real time" system for collecting and analyzing the experimental findings of intravenous self-injection was used in rats.
Animals↗
Effect of intramuscular intraoperative pain medication on narcotic usage after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, clinical trial was to determine whether intraoperative, intramuscular (IM) injections of meperidine or ketorolac would improve postoperative pain relief in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A total of 125 patients were entered into five study groups: 1) (N = 23) control placebo; 2) (N = 31) meperidine 100 mg IM intraoperative preprocedure; 3) (N = 20) meperidine 100 mg IM intraoperative postprocedure; 4) (N = 25) ketorolac tromethamine 60 mg IM intraoperative preprocedure; 5) (N = 26) ketorolac tromethamine 60 mg IM postprocedure. All groups were analyzed by comparing the amount of pain medication received in the recovery room, the time until first oral pain medication was requested, the overall amount of pain medication used in the first 24 hours, the percent requiring IM medication, and the pain score ratings from each group. There was decreased pain medication usage in the recovery room in all groups compared to control (P < 0.05). Group 4 had a longer painfree interval than meperidine groups or control. Both Groups 4 and 5 had decreased postoperative narcotic usage. Finally, the analogue pain scores showed that both ketorolac groups had significantly less postoperative pain compared to control, whereas the meperidine groups showed no improvement in postoperative pain relief. Intraoperative ketorolac given preprocedure or postprocedure significantly improved postoperative pain management and facilitated the transition to oral pain medication.
Adolescent↗
["Cold turkey" detoxification of drug, narcotic and chemical addicts conducted at the Occupational Diseases and Toxicology Ward of the Polish Center of Occupational Medicine in Poznan in 1986-1996].
In this paper we have discussed the method of the "pure" detoxification (without the use of any psychotropics) of patients addicted to drugs, narcotics and chemicals treated at the Occupational Diseases & Toxicology Ward of the WCMP in Poznań. The material includes 152 cases of addicted patients who were treated in the Ward in the period from 1986 till 1996. Our research proved that the applied method is safe for the patients. We also found that addicts sharing hospital room with general medicine, not addicted patients, experience a positive effects in the process of treatment and resocialization.
Adaptation, Psychological↗
Oral ingestion of narcotic analgesics by rats.
Rats drank solutions of narcotic analgesics as the only drinking fluid available in their cages. Relative to their daily water intake before the drug solutions were introduced, the rats drank more etonitazene solution, less methadone solution, and about the same volume of morphine, meperidine and levorphanol solution as water, although some rats would not drink the higher concentrations of morphine (1.0 mg/ml), levorphanol (1.0 mg/ml) and methadone (1.0 mg/ml). When naloxone (1.0 mg/kg) was administered after 12 days of drinking the drug solutions, the severity of the abstinence syndromes based on scoring of symptoms and on weight loss was morphine greater than or equal to etonitazine greater than levorphanol greater than meperidine greater than methadone. The animals showing the most severe syndrome after naloxone usually consumed more drug solution than usual during the next 24 hours, so that body weights were normal at the end of the 24-hour period. Nonprecipitated abstinence was also studied in these rats by replacing the drug solutions with water 3 to 5 days after the naloxone injection. Rats that had been drinking morphine, etonitazene and levorphanol lost weight for 2 or 3 days and then began to regain their lost weight. In contrast, rats which had been switched from methadone and meperidine solutions to water gained weight rapidly. Morphine and etonitazene drinkers which had been switched to water drank a lesser volume of water than they had been drinking of drug solution whereas some ex-methadone drinkers drank more water.
Administration, Oral↗
Death from intravenously administered narcotics: a study of 114 cases;.
A careful study of more than 100 fatal cases due to intravenously administered narcotics provides further evidence of the complexity involved in the certification of death. The wide range of blood morphine concentrations found in these cases indicates that tissue concentrations alone will not always provide the necessary information. High concentrations of morphine, the major metabolite of heroin, in blood and other tissues may be consistent with overdose. But in those cases involving very low concentrations at the time of death, other criteria must be considered.
Adolescent↗
[Hazardous material and safety conditions in veterinary practice. 2: Flammable liquid, disinfectants and cleansing media, cytostatics, pressurized gases, liquid nitrogen, narcotic gases, mailing of diagnostic samples, hazardous waste].
In the last years the standards for professional handling of hazardous material as well as health and safety in the veterinary practice became considerably more stringent. This is expressed in various safety regulations, particularly the decree of hazardous material and the legislative directives concerning health and safety at work. In part 1, a definition based on the law for hazardous material was given and the potential risks were mentioned. The correct documentation regarding the protection of personal and the purchase, storage, working conditions and removal of hazardous material was explained. General rules for the handling of hazardous material were described. In part 2, partial emphasis is put on the handling of flammable liquids, disinfectants, cytostatica, pressurised gases, liquid nitrogen, narcotics, mailing of potentially infectious material and safe disposal of hazardous waste. Advice about possible unrecognized hazards and references are also given.
Animals↗
Development of injectable microcapsules for use in the treatment of narcotic addiction.
Injectible microcapsules containing narcotic antagonists have been prepared with dl-poly (lactic acid) as the coating material. The encapsulation technology has developed to the point that high yields of less than 180 mu capsules can be prepared routinely. Such capsules with an initial payload of 50 wt. % naltrexone pamoate provide 60-90% antagonism to the action of morphine 28 days after injection into mice as a peanut oil/aluminum monostearate suspension at a dose level of 40 miligrams naltrexone pamoate/ kg. mouse.
Animals↗