Abstract: A multi-lumen breathing tube device providing for separate and bidirectional gas flow for expired and inspired gas during ventilation of a lung. Embodiments of the multi-lumen breathing tube include an improved laryngeal mask airway device and an improved endotracheal tube. The invention is compatible with a circle breathing circuit system used with many mechanical ventilators including those used in conjunction with anesthesia machines.

Abstract: The invention is directed in part to dosage forms comprising a combination of an analgesically effective amount of an opioid agonist analgesic and a neutral receptor binding agent or a partial mu-opioid agonist, the neutral receptor binding agent or partial mu-opioid agonist being included in a ratio to the opioid agonist analgesic to provide a combination product which is analgesically effective when the combination is administered as prescribed, but which is less analgesically effective or less rewarding when administered in excess of prescription. Preferably, the combination product affects an opioid dependent individual differently from an opioid naïve individual, and has a diminished likelihood of being associated with a life-threatening adverse drug reaction, especially in the opioid dependent individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and compositions for administration of water-soluble small molecules for the treatment of opioid addiction, alcoholism and HIV infection, especially where the water-soluble small molecules are pentacyclic and structurally similar to nalmefene, buprenorphine, 6-beta-naltrexol and nalbuphine.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising an opioid agonist analgesic and an &agr;3&bgr;4 nicotinic receptor antagonist effective to separate the brain-derived wanting of the opioid from the analgesic or anti-diarrhea effect of the opioid agonist.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising an &agr;3&bgr;4 nicotinic receptor antagonist effective to diminish the brain-derived feeling of pleasure due to increased dopamine in the pleasure-reward center of the brain typically associated with administration of an opioid agonist analgesic, a muscle relaxant, an anti-seizure medication, an anxiolytic drug, an amphetamine, a central nervous system stimulant, a tetrahydrocannabinol or that associated with an otherwise pleasurable or self-reinforcing behavior.

Abstract: A nalmefene transdermal delivery system useful for the treatment of human patients suffering from opioid addiction.

Abstract: Compositions are described for linking drugs or pharmaceutical agents to substrates such that the drug or pharmaceutical agent can be rendered relatively ineffective when not exposed to an enabling enzyme contained within a compartment of a living animal or human.

Abstract: A nalmefene transdermal delivery system useful for the treatment of human patients suffering from opioid addiction.

Abstract: Methods for optimally regulating dopamine homeostasis in persons addicted to, then chemically detoxified from, opioid agonist analgesics, which generally include prolonged controlled administration of nalmefene, with or without the addition of a centrally acting medicinal agent which further enhances dopamine regulation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating acute and severe diarrhea such as that which accompanies chemotherapy and rapid narcotic detoxification. The method includes administering octreotide in an amount sufficient to alleviate the diarrhea without precipitating clinically significant bradycardia. In a preferred embodiment an anti-cholinergic is administered together with octreotide to further reduce the possibility of significant bradycardia. The invention also provides a method for rapidly detoxifying a patient addicted to narcotics. Acute and severe diarrhea is eliminated during detoxification by administering octreotide in according to the above-described method.

Abstract: Methods whereby a kappa-preferring opioid blocking agent is used for optimizing dopamine homeostasis during administration of opioid analgesics and for preventing mortal respiratory depression due to drug overdose.

Abstract: Methods for rapid detoxification of patients addicted to opioid narcotics are provided. The methods include administering nalmefene to induce acute withdrawal, and administering dextromethorphan with nalmefene or other opioid antagonists to reduce the patient's subjective feelings of residual withdrawal symptoms following detoxification. In one method of rapid detoxification, unconsciousness is induced by anesthetizing the patient with desflurane.

Abstract: Methods for rapid detoxification of patients addicted to opioid narcotics are provided. The methods include administering nalmefene to induce acute withdrawal, and administering dextromethorphan with nalmefene or other opioid antagonists to reduce the patient's subjective feelings of residual withdrawal symptoms following detoxification. In one method of rapid detoxification, unconsciousness is induced by anesthetizing the patient with desflurane.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating acute and severe diarrhea such as that which accompanies chemotherapy and rapid narcotic detoxification. The method includes administering octreotide in an amount sufficient to alleviate the diarrhea without precipitating clinically significant bradycardia. In a preferred embodiment an anticholenergic is administered together with octreotide to further reduce the possibility of significant bradycardia. The invention also provides a method for rapidly detoxifying a patient addicted to narcotics. Acute and severe diarrhea is eliminated during detoxification by administering octreotide in according to the above-described method.

Abstract: Methods whereby the narcotic antagonist 17-(cyclopropylmethyl)-4,5alpha-6-methylenemorphinan-3,14-diol,hydrochlori de salt and other narcotic antagonists are used for chemically precipitating a withdrawal response in human beings addicted to exogenous narcotics and who are currently using exogenous narcotics.