The efficacy and side effects of continuous infusion intravenous morphine (CIVM) for pain and symptoms due to advanced cancer

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2002 Sep-Oct;19(5):343-50. doi: 10.1177/104990910201900512.

Abstract

Morphine is the strong opioid of choice in the management of moderate-to-severe chronic cancer pain. The preferred route of administration is oral, in individually titrated doses, regularly scheduled around the clock We conducted a retrospective study of continuous intravenous morphine (CIVM) in a palliative medicine program in 107 consecutive patients. The results suggest CIVM is an effective, safe, and versatile method of morphine administration when used with a defined protocol. Efficacy was similar to that obtained by others with intravenous morphine sulfate and also for oral morphine. Safety was suggested by the low incidence of dose-limiting side effects, most of which responded to dose reduction. Particularly noteworthy was the flexibility of CIVM with dose reduction in 20 percent.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analgesics, Opioid / administration & dosage*
  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Morphine / administration & dosage*
  • Morphine / adverse effects*
  • Neoplasms / complications*
  • Pain, Intractable / drug therapy*
  • Pain, Intractable / etiology
  • Palliative Care / methods*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • United States

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Morphine