Morphine Generic Name
Morphine Sulphate
Morphine Class
Narcotic Agonist
Morphine MOA
- Alleviates pain by acting on the pain receptors in the brain; elevates pain threshold.
- Depresses central nervous system; depresses brainstem respiratory centers; decreases responsiveness to changes in PaC02.
- Increases venous capacitance (venous pooling), vasodilates arterioles, reducing preload and afterload.
- Histamine release.
Morphine indications and field use
- Analgesia
- Pulmonary Edema (cardiogenic)
Morphine contraindications
- Respiratory depression
- Head injuries
- Elevated Intra cranial pressure
- Asthma, relative
- Abdominal pain, relative
Morphine Adverse Reactions
CV: Brady or tachydysrhythmias, orthostatic hypotension
Resp: Respiratory depression or arrest
CNS: Excess sedation, seizures to coma and arrest, pupillary constriction GI: Nausea and vomiting, GI spasm
Derm: Histamine release may cause local urticaria
Morphine incompatibilities/drug interactions
CNS side effects (including respiratory depression) can be reversed by naloxone
Morphine adult dosage
IV Dose: Administer 1-3 mg increments slow IV PUSH (over 1-5 minutes) until desired effect
Morphine pediatric dose
0.1-0.2 mg/kg slow IV push
Morphine Route of administration
Usually given IV, can be given IM or SC
Morphine Onset of Action
Seconds
Morphine Peak Effects
20 minutes
Morphine duration of action
2-4 hours
Morphine AZ Drug Box Minimum Requirements
20 mg
Morphine Special Notes
- Schedule II narcotic.
- Watch for histamine effects (wheals, urticaria) proximal to IV site; contact medical control
- Correct hypotension before administration.
- Maximum respiratory depression 7-10 minutes after administration; can be reversed with naloxone; use caution in patients with emphysema.
- Infusions: IV infusions of morphine sulfate may be transported, however an infusion pump is required.
