Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Morphine as follows:
- Morphine is mainly metabolized in the liver to some active metabolites. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of morphine can be compromised. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity. So, morphine must be used with caution in individuals with history of compromised liver function, with possible multiple dose adjustments, periodical monitoring for liver functions and close watch for development of any dangerous side-effects and toxicity symptoms.
- The active metabolites of morphine also have significant pharmacological actions as the parent compound morphine and are mainly excreted in the urine. Individuals with renal disease cannot excrete these active metabolites normally, which allows them to stay in blood circulation for longer time, resulting in toxicity and consequent side-effects. So, morphine must be used with caution in individuals with compromised renal function, with possible multiple dose adjustments, periodical monitoring for renal functions and close watch for development of any dangerous side-effects and toxicity symptoms.
