Morphine
Morphine Information

About Morphine

Morphine is a narcotic analgesic. Morphine is the principal alkaloid obtained from the unripened seed capsules of the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum. It was first isolated in 1803 and is the prototype of the opiate agonists. Today, the poppy is still the source of the drug because synthesis of Morphine is difficult. Morphine is available for administration as the hydrochloride or sulfate salt in all dosage forms. It sulfate is a strong analgesic used primarily for the relief of severe pain. Higher doses are useful for preoperative sedation and as a supplement to anesthesia. Morphine is also used for analgesia during labor. The effect on uterine contractions depends on the stage of labor when Morphine is administered. Morphine is the drug of choice for pain associated with myocardial infarction. it, as well as other opioids, can produce euphoria, feelings of well being, and tranquility, subjecting them to abuse. All opioid drugs can cause physical dependence, so their use is restricted. Morphine is a schedule C-II controlled substance and was in use for many years prior to its approval by the newly-formed FDA in 1939. Another dosage form, MorphiDex, is nearing the end of phase III investigation as of May 1997. It stimulates µ, ? receptors with little or no activity on sigma and delta receptors. Clinically, stimulation of µ and ? receptors produces analgesia, euphoria, respiratory depression, miosis, decreased gastrointestinal motility, and physical dependence.

Indications

Morphine is primarily indicated in conditions like Acute pain, Acute pulmonary oedema, All forms of epilepsy, Chronic pain, Cough, Dyspnoea (breathlessness at rest) in palliative care, GI motality disorder, Insomnia, Intractable cough in palliative care, Myocardial infarction, Myoclonus, Pain, Parkinson's disease; drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms, Pituitary desensitisation, Post-operative pain, Severe acute pain, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Dyspnea, Dysponea, Pain in palliative care, Surgery.

Contraindication

Morphine is contraindicated in conditions like Respiratory disease,Biliary colic,Raised intracranial pressure,Coronary perfusion disorder,Head injury.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Morphine, which give rise to further complications include Dependency.Morphine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Coma, Respiratory depression, Anaphylactic shock, Cyanosis. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Morphine therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Morphine include Hypotension, Coma, Hypothermia, Tremor, Dysphoria, Sedation, Respiratory failure, Nausea & vomiting.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Morphine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Restlessness, Constipation, Urinary retensionX, Urticaria, Pruritus, Itching, Hallucination, Postural hypotension, Nausea and vomiting, Hyperactivity, Biliary spasm, Mental clouding, Asthma.

Warnings

Morphine should be used with caution in patients with central nervous system (CNS) depression, convulsive disorder, ulcerative colitis, fever, recent gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, bradyarrhythmias, supraventricular tachycardia, pulmonary diseases. Patients should exercise caution while driving or performing tasks requiring alertness because it may produce drowsiness.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.