Study on the Effect of a Beta Blocker on Increased Sensitivity to Pain in Humans Caused by Opioids
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2011-06-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
This research study explores whether a beta-blocker (propranolol) can prevent a person from
becoming more sensitive to pain after administration of an opioid (remifentanil). Beta
blockers inhibit the sympathetic (fight or flight) response and are often used to treat
angina and high blood pressure. In a previous study in human volunteers, the investigators
demonstrated an increased sensitivity to pain after a 60-minute infusion of the opioid
remifentanil. The goal of this study is to identify a possible inhibitor of this phenomenon.