Safety of continuous intrathecal midazolam infusion in the sheep model.

Unlabelled: We investigated the safety of midazolam administered by continuous intrathecal infusion in relevant animal models. Preservative-free midazolam was delivered to sheep and pigs by using implanted infusion systems (SynchroMed pumps plus silicone catheters). Sheep received midazolam 5 mg/d (n = 4) or 15 mg/d (n = 7) or saline (n = 2) for 43 days at 125 micro L/h.

Continuous intrathecal infusion of hydromorphone: safety in the sheep model and clinical implications.

Objective: To determine the safety of hydromorphone delivered by continuous intrathecal infusion via implanted delivery systems in sheep.

Design: Sheep implanted with intrathecal infusion systems were randomly assigned to receive either 1.5, 3, or 6 mg/day hydromorphone HCl or saline control (3 sheep/dose level) at a fixed infusion rate of 1.

Safety of chronic intrathecal morphine infusion in a sheep model.

Background: The safety of chronically administered intrathecal morphine has been questioned. Therefore, the authors examined the behavioral and neurologic effects and neurotoxicity of continuous intrathecal morphine administration in sheep.

Methods: Groups of three sheep were implanted with intrathecal infusion systems for the continuous administration of morphine (3, 6, 9, 12, or 18 mg/day) or saline at a fixed infusion rate of 1.