Respiratory effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone and its analogue taltirelin on opioid-induced respiratory depression

Abstract

Editor—Opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) is a serious complication of opioid use. It is related to activation of μ-opioid receptors, expressed on neurones in brainstem respiratory networks.1 Reversal of OIRD by naloxone restores breathing activity but drawbacks include difficulty in reversing high-affinity or high-dose opioids, short duration of action, pain and withdrawal symptoms, and inability to reverse non-opioid-induced respiratory depression.1 Hence, there is an unmet need for respiratory stimulants that will reverse respiratory depression from any drug without these drawbacks.