Inhaled Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol does not enhance oxycodone-induced respiratory depression: randomised controlled trial in healthy volunteers.

Background: In humans, the effect of cannabis on ventilatory control is poorly studied, and consequently, the effect of Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) remains unknown, particularly when THC is combined with an opioid. We studied the effect of THC on breathing without and with oxycodone pretreatment. We hypothesised that THC causes respiratory depression, which is amplified when THC and oxycodone are combined.

Respiratory Effects of Biased Ligand Oliceridine in Older Volunteers: A Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Comparison with Morphine.

Background: Oliceridine is a G protein-biased µ-opioid, a drug class that is associated with less respiratory depression than nonbiased opioids, such as morphine. The authors quantified the respiratory effects of oliceridine and morphine in elderly volunteers. The authors hypothesized that these opioids differ in their pharmacodynamic behavior, measured as effect on ventilation at an extrapolated end-tidal Pco2 at 55 mmHg, V̇E55.