Morphine is the 'gold standard' potent opioid to which others are compared.
It can be given by different routes. The dose and duration of effect varies according to the route used [2] (read details regarding the reference),[3] (read details regarding the reference).
Titrate intravenous morphine to analgesic effect and respiratory rate. Oxygen and naloxone should be readily available if IV morphine is used.
| Morphine route | Dose | Onset of effect | Dosing interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral |
0.2–0.4 mg/kg |
30 minutes |
4 hours |
| IV |
0.02-0.1 mg/kg |
5-20 minutes |
|
|
Titrate to analgesic effect and respiratory rate |
|||
| IV in an infant |
Start with 0.02 mg/kg bolus (20 mcg/kg) |
||
| IV in an older child |
Start with 0.05–0.1 mg/kg bolus (50-100 mcg/kg) |
||