Extended-release morphine: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 16:32, 16 February 2025

Extended-release Morphine[edit]

Chemical structure of morphine

Extended-release morphine is a formulation of the opioid analgesic morphine designed to release the active ingredient slowly over time, providing prolonged pain relief. It is commonly used in the management of chronic pain conditions where continuous opioid therapy is necessary.

Pharmacology[edit]

Extended-release morphine works by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, which include the brain and spinal cord. This binding action alters the perception of pain and emotional response to pain. The extended-release formulation allows for a steady release of morphine into the bloodstream, maintaining therapeutic levels over an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours.

Indications[edit]

Extended-release morphine is indicated for the management of severe pain that requires continuous, around-the-clock opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate. It is not intended for use on an as-needed basis for pain that is not constant.

Administration[edit]

Extended-release morphine is available in various forms, including oral tablets and capsules. It is important that these formulations are swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or dissolved, as this can lead to a rapid release of morphine, increasing the risk of overdose.

Side Effects[edit]

Common side effects of extended-release morphine include constipation, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and dizziness. Serious side effects can include respiratory depression, hypotension, and addiction. Patients should be monitored for signs of opioid overdose, such as extreme drowsiness, slow breathing, or loss of consciousness.

Contraindications[edit]

Extended-release morphine is contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression, acute or severe bronchial asthma, and in those with known hypersensitivity to morphine. It should be used with caution in patients with head injury, seizure disorders, and hepatic impairment.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Extended-release morphine''' is a form of [[morphine]], an [[opioid]] medication used to treat moderate to severe [[pain]]. Unlike immediate-release formulations that provide rapid pain relief, extended-release morphine is designed to release the drug slowly into the bloodstream over a specified period, typically 12 or 24 hours. This allows for the management of chronic pain with fewer doses per day, aiming to improve patient compliance and maintain a consistent level of pain control.
+== Extended-release Morphine ==
-==Mechanism of Action==
+[[File:Morphin_-_Morphine.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of morphine]]
-Morphine acts on the [[central nervous system]] (CNS) to relieve pain. It works by binding to [[mu-opioid receptors]] in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body, mimicking the action of pain-reducing chemicals called endorphins. This binding decreases the perception of pain and the emotional response to pain. The extended-release formulation ensures that the medication's effects are prolonged, maintaining pain relief over an extended period.
-==Indications==
+'''Extended-release morphine''' is a formulation of the opioid analgesic [[morphine]] designed to release the active ingredient slowly over time, providing prolonged pain relief. It is commonly used in the management of chronic pain conditions where continuous opioid therapy is necessary.
-Extended-release morphine is indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate. It is typically prescribed for conditions such as [[cancer pain]], severe [[back pain]], and pain associated with [[neuropathic pain|neuropathic]] conditions.
-==Dosage and Administration==
+== Pharmacology ==
-The dosage of extended-release morphine must be carefully adjusted according to the severity of the pain, the patient's previous opioid treatment experiences, and the patient's risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse. Patients must swallow tablets whole to maintain the extended-release mechanism and avoid a potentially fatal dose.
-==Side Effects==
+Extended-release morphine works by binding to [[opioid receptors]] in the [[central nervous system]], which include the [[brain]] and [[spinal cord]]. This binding action alters the perception of pain and emotional response to pain. The extended-release formulation allows for a steady release of morphine into the bloodstream, maintaining therapeutic levels over an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours.
-Common side effects of extended-release morphine include [[constipation]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[drowsiness]], [[dizziness]], and [[pruritus]]. Like all opioids, there is a risk of [[opioid addiction]], abuse, and misuse with extended-release morphine. It can also lead to respiratory depression, especially if taken in high doses or in combination with other substances that depress the CNS.
-==Precautions==
+== Indications ==
-Before using extended-release morphine, patients should inform their healthcare provider about any history of [[substance use disorder]], [[mental health]] issues, [[respiratory problems]], or [[liver]] or [[kidney disease]]. It is also important to avoid consuming [[alcohol]] or using other medications that can depress the CNS while taking extended-release morphine.
-==Interactions==
+Extended-release morphine is indicated for the management of severe pain that requires continuous, around-the-clock opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate. It is not intended for use on an as-needed basis for pain that is not constant.
-Extended-release morphine can interact with a variety of medications, including other opioids, [[benzodiazepines]], [[muscle relaxants]], and [[antidepressants]], increasing the risk of side effects like respiratory depression. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
-==Conclusion==
+== Administration ==
-Extended-release morphine is a critical tool in the management of chronic pain, offering the benefits of reduced dosing frequency and consistent pain control. However, its use must be carefully managed to mitigate the risks of side effects, addiction, and abuse.
+Extended-release morphine is available in various forms, including oral tablets and capsules. It is important that these formulations are swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or dissolved, as this can lead to a rapid release of morphine, increasing the risk of overdose.
+== Side Effects ==
+Common side effects of extended-release morphine include [[constipation]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[drowsiness]], and [[dizziness]]. Serious side effects can include [[respiratory depression]], [[hypotension]], and [[addiction]]. Patients should be monitored for signs of [[opioid overdose]], such as extreme drowsiness, slow breathing, or loss of consciousness.
+== Contraindications ==
+Extended-release morphine is contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression, acute or severe [[bronchial asthma]], and in those with known hypersensitivity to morphine. It should be used with caution in patients with [[head injury]], [[seizure disorders]], and [[hepatic impairment]].
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Opioid]]
+* [[Pain management]]
+* [[Chronic pain]]
+* [[Opioid use disorder]]
+{{Opioids}}
 [[Category:Opioids]]
 [[Category:Pain management]]
-[[Category:Pharmacology]]
-{{Pharmacology-stub}}
-{{medicine-stub}}