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Therapeutic effectiveness of medications taken during spaceflightThe therapeutic effectiveness of medications during spaceflight is considered in light of extensive anecdotal and experimental evidence. Attention is given to a range of medications for space motion sickness, sleeplessness, and physical discomfort. About 70 individual cases are reviewed in which crewmembers used such medications as: (1) scopolamine hydrobromide, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and promethazine hydrochloride for motion sickness; (2) metoclopramide hydrochloride and naloxone hydrochloride for bowel motility; and (3) aspirin and acetaminophen for headache and back pain. The effectiveness of orally ingested medications for space motion sickness is shown to be very low, while promethazine hydrochloride is effective when administered intramuscularly. The medications for pain are shown to be generally effective, and the use of sleep-inducing medications is limited by potentially detrimental performance effects.
Document ID
19920073079
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Pool, Sam L.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Putcha, Lakshmi
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1992
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Report/Patent Number
IAF PAPER 92-0265
Accession Number
92A55703
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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