Morphine

Question 1

What is the Pharmacology of Morphine

Answer 1

Opioid Analgesic
Actions

CNS Effects

• Depression (leading to analgesia)
• Respiratory Depression
• Depression of Cough reflex
• Stimulation (of mood, euphoria, dysphoria, vomiting and pinpoint pupils)
• Dependence (Addiction)

CV

• Vasodilation
• Reduced conduction Velocity through the AV node.

Question 2

What is the Presentation of Morphine and how is it Metabolized.

Answer 2

Presentation
- 10mg in 1ml

Metabolized
- by the Liver and excreted by the Kidneys

Question 3

What are the Indications and Contraindication of Morphine

Answer 3

Indications

• Pain relief
• Sedation to maintain Intubation
• Sedation to facilitate intubation

Contraindications

• Late second stage Labour
• Hypersensitivity
• Renal Impairment or Failure.

Question 4

What are the Side Effects and Precautions of Morphine

Answer 4

Side Effects (HANDBURP)

• Hypotension
• Addiction
• Nausea/ Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Bradycardia
• U) Euphoria
• Respiratory depression
• Pupil constriction

Precautions (PAARCHER)

• Hypotension
• Addiction
• Current Asthma
• Elderly and Frail
• Respiratory tract burns
• Respiratory depression
• Acute Alcoholism
• Pts on MAO inhibitors

Question 5

Route of Administration and Special Notes

Answer 5

Route of Administration
IM
IV

Special Notes

• Side effects of morphine can be reversed by naloxone.
• Occasional wheals are seen in the line of the vein being used for IV injection, this is not an allergy only a local histamine release.

IV 
- Onset: 2 - 5 Minutes
- Peak: 10 Minutes
- Duration 1 - 2 Hours
IM
- Onset: 10 - 30 Minutes
- Peak: 30 - 60 Minutes
- Duration: 1 - 2 Hours