Introduction

Name

• Morphine.

Class of drug

• Opioid analgesic.

Description

Chemical name

• (5α,6α)-7,8-didehydro- 4,5-epoxy-17-methylmorphinan-3,6-diol.

Molecular formula

• C₁₇H₁₉NO₃.

Storage requirements

• Must be stored in a locked safe and its use recorded in a logbook.

Uses

Indications

• A narcotic analgesic used primarily as a pre-anesthetic agent.
• Peri-operative and severe traumatic pain relief.
• Extradural analgesia.

Administration

Pharmacokinetics

Precautions

Interactions

with other drugs

CNS depressants (anesthetics, antihistamines, barbiturates, phenothiazines, tranquilizers)

• Enhanced central nervous system (CNS) or respiratory depression may occur.

with diagnostic tests

Plasma amylase or lipase

• As narcotic analgesics can increase biliary tract pressure, levels may be increased for up to 24 h after drug administration.

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Heard D J (1993) Principles and techniques of anaesthesia and analgesia for exotic practice. Vet Clin North Am Exotic Anim Pract 23, 1301-1327 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Meredith A (2015) Ed. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary. Part B: Exotic Pets. 9th edn. BSAVA, UK. ISBN: 1905319827.
• Flecknell P A (2002) Guinea Pigs. In: BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets. 4th edn. Eds: Meredith A & Redrobe S. BSAVA, UK. pp 52-64.

Organisation(s)

• National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) Compendium of Data Sheets for Animal Medicines. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk.