morphine

morphine /mor·phine/ (mor´fēn) an opioid analgesic, the principal and most active alkaloid of opium; used as the sulfate or hydrochloride salt as an analgesic, antitussive, and as an adjunct to anesthesia or to treatment of pulmonary edema secondary to left ventricular failure.

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mor·phine (môrfn)

n.

A bitter crystalline alkaloid extracted from opium, the soluble salts of which are used in medicine as an analgesic, a light anesthetic, or a sedative. Also called morphia.

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Morphine

Morphine is the naturally occurring opioid in the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum. It is a powerful narcotic analgesic, and its primary clinical use is in the management of moderately severe to severe pain. After heroin, morphine has the greatest potential for addiction of all narcotic analgesics.

Mentioned in: Methadone

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morphine

[môr′fēn]

Etymology: Gk, Morpheus, god of sleep

a white crystalline alkaloid derived from the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, the source of its principal pharmacologic activity. Morphine acts on the central nervous system to produce both depression and euphoric stimulation, effects that are mediated through its stimulation of mu opioid receptors. Stimulation of mu receptors exerts effects that depress nerve impulse transmission. Even in small amounts morphine depresses the respiratory system. Mu receptors' activation in some instances inhibits the transmission of inhibitory impulses, thereby causing stimulation. Examples of this include the euphoric response and constriction of the pupils by the third cranial nerve. Morphine has a marked analgesic effect because of its stimulation of mu receptors in both the brain and spinal cord, and its principal therapeutic value is for the relief of moderate to severe pain. Morphine rarely provides total relief of pain, but in most cases it reduces the level of suffering. Patients with severe pain may become drowsy and relaxed but seldom achieve the sensation of euphoria associated with use of the drug. Morphine is often given parenterally because its rapid absorption following oral administration is followed by rapid first-pass metabolism to an inactive glucuronide (oral bioavailability ranges from 17% to 33%). Repeated use of morphine leads to tolerance, necessitating increased dosage levels to get the same degree of pain relief. See also morphine sulfate, morphine tartrate.

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morphine (môr´fēn),

n an effective prescription analgesic narcotic. Street names include
M, white stuff, Miss Emma, hocus, and
monkey. Constricted pupils may be a sign of abuse.

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morphine

the principal and most active opium alkaloid, a narcotic analgesic and respiratory depressant, usually used as morphine sulfate.

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morphine substitutes

those used in veterinary medicine include meperidine, methadone, pentazocine lactate.

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morphine

Pain management An opium alkaloid with potent analgesic effect that owes its narcotic properties to its particular aromatic ring structure Route Parenteral, oral Effects Blocks pain signals to brain and spinal cord Uses Relieves severe acute and chronic pain; facilitates induction of anesthesia Clinical Euphoria, respiratory depression, drowsiness, N&V, ↓ GI motility, risk of addiction, miosis. See Controlled drug substances, Designer drugs, Heroin, Substance abuse.