Patient/caregiver was instructed upon therapeutic uses and mechanism of action of morphine as follows:
- Morphine is an opioid pain medication obtained from the capsules of opium poppy.
- Stimulation of opioid receptors present in the brain and spinal cord result in reduced pain perception and control of pain.
- Morphine acts by stimulating the opioid receptors present in the brain and spinal cord.
- Morphine could also block the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, such as, substance P, which are involved with pain production.
- These actions of morphine result in changes in pain perception and reduced excitation of the nerves.
- Morphine is used to relieve moderate to severe pain acute and chronic pain, such as, immediate postsurgical pain and pain in chronic cancers. It can be used as a part of preoperative sedation and anesthesia.
- Breakthrough pain can occur when the effect of long-acting pain killers wear off and it is not time yet for the next dose. Regular morphine is a short-acting pain killer and can be used along with long-acting pain killers, on an as needed basis, for management of this acute breakthrough pain.
