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Morphine

Presentation
  • 10 mg in 1 mL glass ampoule
Pharmacology

A opioid analgesic

Actions:

CNS effects:

  • Depression (leading to analgesia)
  • Respiratory depression
  • Depression of cough reflex
  • Stimulation (changes of mood, euphoria or dysphoria, vomiting, pinpoint pupils)
  • Dependence (addiction)

Cardiovascular effects:

  • Vasodilatation
  • Decreases conduction velocity through the A-V Node
Metabolism

By the liver; excreted by the kidneys

  1. Pain relief
  2. Sedation to maintain intubation
  3. Sedation facilitate intubation (where fentanyl not appropriate for RSI – modified or Paediatric IFS)
  1. History of hypersensitivity
  2. Renal impairment / failure
  3. Late second stage of labour
  1. Elderly/frail patients
  2. Hypotension
  3. Respiratory depression
  4. Current asthma
  5. Respiratory tract burns
  6. Known addiction to opioids
  7. Acute alcoholism
  8. Patients on monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Route of administration
  • IV
  • IM
  • Subcutaneous
CNS effects
  • Drowsiness
  • Respiratory depression
  • Euphoria
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Addiction
  • Pin-point pupils
Cardiovascular effects
  • Hypotension
  • Bradycardia
Special Notes

Morphine is a Schedule 8 drug under the Poisons Act and its use must be
carefully controlled with accountability and responsibility.

Side effects of Morphine can be reversed with Naloxone.

Occasional wheals are seen in the line of the vein being used for IV injection.
This is not an allergy, only a histamine release.

IV Effects

Onset: 2 – 5 minutes
Peak: 10 minutes
Duration: 1 – 2 hours

IM Effects

Onset: 10 – 30 minutes
Peak: 30 – 60 minutes
Duration: 1 – 2 hours

Quiz