Double-blind comparison of the respiratory effects of parenteral lorazepam and diazepam in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease

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Abstract
SummaryThe effects on the respiratory function of two tranquillising drugs, lorazepam and diazepam, have been compared in 20 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. Both drugs induce a respiratory depression (decrease in tidal volume and minute ventilation with acceleration of the respiratory frequency) with slight respiratory acidosis, but lorazepam causes no significant hypoxemia and has a shorter duration of action than diazepam. Nevertheless, if tranquillisers are indicated in such patients, they have to be used with care.