Conjunctival administration of etorhine in rabbits has rapid onset but significant circulatory and respirátory side effects
Abstract
Etorphine is one of the most potent opioids. The aim of our study was to assess in an animal experiment if conjunctival administration of etorphine had potential for use in humans.
Ten rabbits were administered ocular etorphine 0.002 mg/kg. Onset of immobilisation and cardiorespiratory parameters were measured.
Naltrexon 0.1 mg/kg was administered after 20 minutes and the study was terminated. Ocular etorphine had rapid onset without signs of conjunctival irritation.
On the other side, respiratory and circulatory depression limits its clinical use.