Researchers at the Group Health Research Institute and the University of Washington found that use of opioids can increase the risk of pneumonia in patients aged 65-94, according to a release.
Researchers measured whether people with pneumonia were more likely to have taken opioids or benzodiazepines prior to contracting the illness. They found that 13.9 percent of those with pneumonia had taken opioids, while 8.4 percent had taken benzodiazepines. In those without pneumonia, 8 percent had taken opioids, while 4.6 percent had taken benzodiazepines.
The study also found that patients were more than three times as likely to get pneumonia within the first 14 days of taking opioids. Long-acting opioids, such as sustained-release morphine, increased risk more than three times. Benzodiazepines were not found to increase pneumonia risk.
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Researchers measured whether people with pneumonia were more likely to have taken opioids or benzodiazepines prior to contracting the illness. They found that 13.9 percent of those with pneumonia had taken opioids, while 8.4 percent had taken benzodiazepines. In those without pneumonia, 8 percent had taken opioids, while 4.6 percent had taken benzodiazepines.
The study also found that patients were more than three times as likely to get pneumonia within the first 14 days of taking opioids. Long-acting opioids, such as sustained-release morphine, increased risk more than three times. Benzodiazepines were not found to increase pneumonia risk.
Related Articles on Opioids:
New Guidelines on Opioids for Pain Show How to Avert Adverse Events
OIG Report: CMS Doesn't Identify Top Painkiller Prescribers
Study: 3-Fold Rise in Opioid-Related Deaths; Countermeasures Suggested