Medical Uses
Morphine is most commonly used to manage this type of pain.
What is severe or chronic pain?
Morphine binds primarily to these receptors in the brain and spinal cord.
What are opioid receptors?
This medication can reverse a morphine overdose.
What is naloxone (Narcan)?
The most common side effect of morphine that affects the bowels.
What is constipation?
Morphine is classified as this type of drug, acting on opioid receptors.
What is an opioid analgesic?
Morphine reduces pain by decreasing the release of this neurotransmitter.
What is substance P?
Patients should never combine morphine with this class of drugs due to risk of respiratory failure.
What are benzodiazepines or sedatives?
Morphine can cause constricted pupils, a sign known as this.
What is miosis?
In hospitals, morphine is often given by this route for rapid pain control.
What is intravenous (IV) administration?
This brain system, involved in reward and pleasure, is also affected by morphine.
What is the mesolimbic dopamine system?
Morphine should never be crushed or chewed if it’s in this type of formulation.
What is an extended-release tablet or capsule?
This type of pain relief tolerance may develop over time, requiring higher doses.
What is opioid tolerance?
Morphine can also be used to relieve this symptom in patients with advanced heart failure.
What is shortness of breath (dyspnea)?
Morphine’s effects on the brainstem can cause this dangerous side effect at high doses.
What is respiratory depression?
Before giving morphine, always check this vital sign to ensure patient safety.
What is respiratory rate?
The classic triad of morphine overdose includes coma, respiratory depression, and this.
What are pinpoint pupils?
This synthetic opioid is often compared to morphine but is many times stronger.
What is fentanyl?
Morphine’s ability to cross this barrier allows it to reach the brain.
What is the blood–brain barrier?
Morphine should only be used under this kind of supervision.
What is medical supervision?
If morphine causes nausea, patients may be advised to take it with this.
What is food or a light snack?