Therapeutic, toxic, and lethal concentrations of 73 drugs affecting respiratory system in human fluids.

BACKGROUND

Drugs affecting the respiratory system are an important group of pharmaceutical specialties in poisoning with relatively high frequency.

METHODS

As a continuation of our published studies on the concentrations of drugs of abuse and drugs affecting cardiovascular and hematopoietic systems, we have reviewed the published data to select respiratory drugs on the basis of conservative criteria and our own experience.

RESULTS

A compilation of the concentrations of 73 drugs affecting the respiratory system--in whole blood, serum/plasma, and urine, and corresponding to therapeutic, toxic, or lethal concentrations--is given.

CONCLUSIONS

The table presented can be helpful in interpretation of the concentrations of this group of medicines encountered in clinical, toxicologic, and forensic cases.