Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, Vol 6, 393-399, Copyright © 1959 by Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society

Anileridine (Leritine®): A New Synthetic Analgesic in Anaesthesia

¹ Department of Anesthesia, Hôpital Laval, Quebec, P.Q.

Anileridine (Leritine®) is a new synthetic analgesic drug and is a member of the piperidine class of analgesic agents. It differs from meperidine (Demerol) in that the N-methyl group of meperidine is replaced by an N-aminophenethyl group, which increase its analgesic activity.

In this study, we have discussed the efficacy of the new drug in the periods immediate to anaesthesia, which are, chronologically, the postoperative, the peroperative and the preoperative periods.

In the postoperative period, even at half the usual dosage, it proved itself to be a potent analgesic with few undesirable secondary effects. Nausea and vomiting are rare. The patient is without pain and remains conscious without hypnosis. When associated with Lorfan, higher dosage may be used without respiratory depression.

In the peroperative period, a light and highly effective potentialized anaesthesia has been possible with the association anileridine-Lorfan with minimum respiratory and circulatory depression. A calm, painless, and prompt awakening is observed. The patient is without pain, because the analgesic action of anileridine (Leritine) seems to extend over a period of 2 to 3 hours. In the preoperative period, anileridine by mouth was found very effective. Its effects as a whole are similar to those of meperidine. We must, however, associate with it the drying effect of atropine.

Anileridine has proven to be a very advantageous new narcotic and will certainly deserve high consideration.

Note:

Amleridine supplied as Leritine by Merck, Sharp & Dohme, Montreal, P.Q.