Morphine Sulfate
Binds opiate receptors in CNS, altering perception of and emotional response to pain.
|
Route |
Onset of Action |
Peak Effect |
Duration of Action |
|---|---|---|---|
|
IV |
5-10 minutes |
20 minutes |
4-5 hours |
|
IM |
10-30 minutes |
30-60 minutes |
4-5 hours |
|
Oral |
Within 1 hour |
1-2 hours |
6-12 hours |
Dosage/Administration
Adults:
Give 0.03 – 0.1 mg/kg in 1 mg increments IV.
- Must give slowly and titrate to individual response.
- Assess patient continuously for signs and symptoms of pain and give additional doses for increasing pain levels.
- Decrease dosage if giving to elderly or debilitated patients and in patients with renal or hepatic disease.
- Dilute with 5 ml of sterile water or NS and give slowly.
- May repeat every 15 minutes.
- Total dosage 10 mg in 60 minutes.
Pediatrics:
0.05 – 0.1 mg/kg IV, titrated to effect.
Adverse Reactions
- Respiratory effects – respiratory depression, bronchospasm, laryngospasm.
- Cardiovascular effects – hypotension, hypertension, bradycardia, arrhythmias
- CNS effects – euphoria, dysphoria, somnolence, syncope
- GI effects – nausea, vomiting, constipation, biliary tract spasm
- GU – urinary retention
- Integumentary – pruritis/local tissue irritation, urticaria, skin wheals
- Musculoskeletal – chest wall rigidity
Reversal Agent
Naloxone (Narcan) will reverse the respiratory and cardiovascular effects of MS overdose.
Educational reference for sedation providers, relocated from the previous version of this site — not a substitute for the current package insert, your facility protocols, or clinical judgment. Verify all doses against current references before clinical use.