Effect of Nitrazepam in Chronic Obstructive Bronchitis

Abstract

The effect of nitrazepam on ventilatory capacity and arterial blood gas tensions was studied in a double-blind controlled crossover trial in six patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis in ventilatory failure (raised Paco(2)). Nitrazepam produced a fall in ventilatory capacity and worsening of the ventilatory failure. In the sixth patient, while on the active drug, the Pao(2) fell from 48 to 35 mm Hg while the Paco(2) tension rose from 59.5 to 68 mm Hg. It is suggested that nitrazepam is contraindicated in patients with severe chronic obstructive bronchitis.