Dihydrocodeine for breathlessness in "pink puffers"

Abstract

Eighteen patients with severe breathlessness due to chronic airflow obstruction completed a randomised placebo controlled double blind cross over trial of the effect of dihydrocodeine 15 mg on breathlessness, disability, and exercise tolerance. There were three periods of one week each. During the first two weeks patients were instructed to take dihydrocodeine 15 mg or placebo 30 minutes before exercise as required up to three times daily. During the third week patients received either dihydrocodeine or placebo on alternate days. During the weekly dihydrocodeine period patients were more mobile (pedometer distance increased by 16.8%) and less breathless (daily visual analogue score of breathlessness reduced by 17.8%). This benefit was confirmed by treadmill testing at the end of each treatment period, when maximum distance walked was 16.5% higher and breathlessness 11.8% less after dihydrocodeine compared with placebo. Similar benefit in breathlessness occurred during alternate day treatment. No adverse effects were encountered. Dihydrocodeine 15 mg 30 minutes before exercise offers appreciable benefit to patients with severe breathlessness due to chronic airflow obstruction.