Morphine sulfate

Morphine sulfate is a sulfate salt of morphine, an opioid analgesic derived from the opium poppy plant. It is commonly used to relieve severe pain and is considered one of the most effective pain relievers available. Morphine sulfate works by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, altering the perception of and response to pain.

Medical Uses

Morphine sulfate is primarily used for the management of severe pain, including pain from surgery, cancer, and myocardial infarction. It is also used in palliative care to alleviate chronic pain in terminally ill patients. The drug can be administered in various forms, including oral, intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous.

Mechanism of Action

Morphine sulfate exerts its effects by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This binding inhibits the release of neurotransmitters involved in pain transmission, such as substance P and glutamate. The result is a decrease in the perception of pain and an increase in pain tolerance.

Side Effects

Common side effects of morphine sulfate include drowsiness, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. More serious side effects can include respiratory depression, hypotension, and addiction. Long-term use can lead to tolerance and physical dependence.

Contraindications

Morphine sulfate is contraindicated in patients with respiratory depression, acute asthma, and paralytic ileus. It should be used with caution in patients with head injury, liver disease, and renal impairment.

Pharmacokinetics

Morphine sulfate is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, but it undergoes significant first-pass metabolism in the liver. The drug is metabolized primarily to morphine-3-glucuronide and morphine-6-glucuronide, which are excreted in the urine. The half-life of morphine sulfate is approximately 2-4 hours.

History

Morphine was first isolated in the early 19th century by the German pharmacist Friedrich Sertürner. It was named after Morpheus, the Greek god of dreams, due to its sedative properties. Morphine sulfate has been used medically since the 1820s and remains a cornerstone in pain management.

See Also

• Opioid
• Pain management
• Palliative care
• Opioid receptor
• Analgesic

Related Pages

• Opium poppy
• Friedrich Sertürner
• Myocardial infarction
• Palliative care
• Opioid receptor