Could a common pill replace CPAP for opioid users?
NCT ID NCT06043830
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether the drug acetazolamide can improve sleep-disordered breathing in 39 adults with chronic pain who use opioids. Participants took either the drug or a placebo for one week each. The goal was to see if the pill could reduce sleep apnea events as an alternative to CPAP machines.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- acetazolamide
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a pill-based alternative to CPAP machines for treating sleep apnea in people who take opioids for chronic pain.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, short-term study (39 people, 1 week each on drug and placebo). Results may not hold up in larger or longer trials, and acetazolamide can cause side effects like tingling or kidney issues.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of California San Diego
San Diego, California, 92037, United States
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