[Morphine--myths and facts].

Abstract

Morphine in the form of opium tincture accompanies the mankind for several thousands years. At the beginning of the twentieth century morphine has been isolated from opium and it was used initially to treat ... opium addicts. At present it plays an important role in the treatment of severe pain of different origins and (more seldom) in the premedication for general anaesthesia. Despite its side effects it is irreplaceable especially in the treatment of cancer pain. Nowadays the chronic use of oral morphine preparations has been supported by medical authorities who at the same time warn against incorrect dosage and combination with other drugs. Many clinical data concerning oral morphine show that it is safe and effective even in the patients with advanced cancer and poor performance status. Our paper lists myths and common mistakes connected with morphine use and confronts them with well established facts confirming its effectiveness in cancer pain treatment.

• Authors: T Weber, K Zawiła, A Macheta, J Andres
• Journal: Folia medica Cracoviensia (Folia Med Cracov) Vol. 42 Issue 4 Pg. 249-54 ( 2001) ISSN: 0015-5616 [Print] Poland
• Vernacular Title: Morfina--mity i rzeczywistość.
• PMID: 12815785 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Morphine

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Attitude of Health Personnel
• Attitude to Health
• Humans
• Morphine (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Neoplasms (complications)
• Pain (drug therapy, etiology)