Effect of Ketoconazole on Breathlessness

Summary

Beta-endorphins, which are naturally occurring narcotic substances, have been shown to alter the perception of breathlessness. Oral ketoconazole, an antifungal antibiotic, increases blood levels of beta-endorphins. The study hypothesis is that oral ketoconazole will reduce ratings of breathlessness induced by resistive breathing loads.

Timeline

Start

2011-06

Primary completion

2012-02

Completion

2012-02

Publications

• Background Gifford AH, Mahler DA, Waterman LA, Ward J, Kraemer WJ, Kupchak BR, Baird JC. Neuromodulatory effect of endogenous opioids on the intensity and unpleasantness of breathlessness during resistive load breathing in COPD. COPD. 2011 Jun;8(3):160-6. doi: 10.3109/15412555.2011.560132. Epub 2011 Apr 22.
• Mahler DA, Gifford AH, Waterman LA, Ward J, Kraemer WJ, Kupchak BR, Harver A. Effect of increased blood levels of beta-endorphin on perception of breathlessness. Chest. 2013 May;143(5):1378-1385. doi: 10.1378/chest.12-1541.

Drugs

Indications