Pharmacology. Morphine is the principal alkaloid of opium and a potent analgesic and sedative agent. In addition, it decreases venous tone and systemic vascular resistance, resulting in reduced preload and afterload. Morphine is absorbed variably from the GI tract and usually is used parenterally. After intravenous injection, peak analgesia is attained within 20 minutes and usually lasts 3–5 hours. Morphine is eliminated by hepatic metabolism, with a serum half-life of about 3 hours; however, the clearance of morphine is slowed and the duration of effect is prolonged in patients with renal failure resulting from accumulation of the active metabolite morphine-6-glucuronide.

Indications

1. 
   

   Severe pain associated with black widow spider envenomation, rattlesnake envenomation, and other bites or stings.

   
   
2. 
   

   Pain caused by corrosive injury to the eyes, skin, or GI tract.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pulmonary edema resulting from congestive heart failure. Chemically induced noncardiogenic pulmonary edema is not an indication for morphine therapy.

Contraindications

1. 
   

   Known hypersensitivity to morphine.

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