What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed existing scientific literature to understand how hyperbaric (high pressure) and hyperoxic (high oxygen) conditions might affect how the body processes various medications.
What They Found
In isolated rat liver cells, hyperoxia reduced the breakdown of aniline. Dogs exposed to 2.8 ATA and 100% oxygen showed enhanced clearance of salicylic acid, but this effect was not observed at 6 ATA with air. However, the way drugs like gentamycin (at 2.4 bar, 100% O2), caffeine, lidocaine (at 2.5 bar, 100% O2), theophylline, pentobarbital, or pethidine are handled by the body was not affected in dogs or human volunteers under hyperbaric or hyperoxic conditions.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers decompression sickness, which is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. However, no direct Canadian authors or study locations were identified.
Study Limitations
This review primarily focused on single exposures and single-dose pharmacokinetics, and some observed drug interactions, like with salicylic acid, remained unexplained.