Morphine and other strong pain medications may be directed to the central nervous system through a new approach to nasal drug administration, according to a study published in the Sept. 2011 issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia.
The researchers developed and tested a new "pressurized olfactory device" in experimental animals. The researchers believe a similar technique used in humans might provide an effective, non-invasive technique for opioid drug administration.
The researchers designed the POD to deliver morphine or other drugs directly to the olfactory region of the nasal cavity. This region is small and difficult to reach, making up no more than 10 percent of the surface area of the human nasal cavity. It can only be accessed through a one- to two-millimeter slit in the back of the nasal cavity.
Experiments in rates demonstrated enhanced effects of morphine delivered through the POD.
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The researchers developed and tested a new "pressurized olfactory device" in experimental animals. The researchers believe a similar technique used in humans might provide an effective, non-invasive technique for opioid drug administration.
The researchers designed the POD to deliver morphine or other drugs directly to the olfactory region of the nasal cavity. This region is small and difficult to reach, making up no more than 10 percent of the surface area of the human nasal cavity. It can only be accessed through a one- to two-millimeter slit in the back of the nasal cavity.
Experiments in rates demonstrated enhanced effects of morphine delivered through the POD.
Related Articles on Anesthesia:
Cholesterol Lowering Drug Reduces Spinal Cord Injury From Surgery
Oklahoma Governor Appoints Anesthesiologist to State Medical Board
Ins and Outs of 4 Anesthesia Provider Models