Morphine Sulfate

Question 1

Generic Name:

Answer 1

Morphine Sulfate

Question 2

Supplied:

Answer 2

10mg/mL vial

Question 3

Class:

Answer 3

Analgesic

Question 4

Mechanism of Action:

Answer 4

- 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.

Question 5

Indications and Field Use:

Answer 5

• Analgesia

- Pulmonary edema (cardiogenic)

Question 6

Contraindications:

Answer 6

•  Respiratory depression
•  Head injuries
•  Elevated Intra cranial pressure
•  Asthma, relative
•  Abdominal pain, relative

Question 7

Adverse Reactions:

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Incompatibilities/Drug Interactions:

Answer 8

CNS side effects (including respiratory depression) can be reversed by naloxone.

Question 9

Adult Dosage: IV Dose:

Answer 9

Administer 1 - 3 mg increments slow IV PUSH (over 1 - 5 minutes) until desired effect.

Question 10

Pediatric Dosage:

Answer 10

0.1 - 0.2 mg/kg slow IV PUSH

Question 11

Routes of Administration:

Answer 11

Usually given IV in the field, can be given IM or SC.

Question 12

Onset of Action:

Answer 12

Seconds

Question 13

Peak Effects:

Answer 13

20 minutes

Question 14

Duration of Action:

Answer 14

2 - 4 hours

Question 15

Arizona Drug Box Minimum Supply:

Answer 15

20 mg

Question 16

Special Notes:

Answer 16

- 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.