Effect of ethamivan (vanillic acid diethylamide) on the respiratory response of healthy young men to carbon dioxide, in the absence of hypoxia.

The effect of ethamivan (vanillic acid diethylamide) on the ventilatory response to carbon dioxide has been investigated in healthy young adult males. Intravenous infusion of the drug at a rate of 9 mg/min causes respiratory stimulation depending in degree upon the prevailing alveolar CO(2) tension. When the latter is low stimulation by the drug is most marked and may largely support respiration below the CO(2) threshold. As alveolar Pco(2) increases, the effect of the drug disappears. These findings are discussed.