What are common adverse effects of morphine?

What are common adverse effects of morphine?

• A. Drowsiness and respiratory depression
• B. Nausea only
• C. Hypertension
• D. Rash

Answer: (A)

Morphine is a potent opioid that depresses the central nervous system, especially the brainstem centers that control breathing. The most common and clinically important adverse effects reflect this action: drowsiness from overall CNS slowing and respiratory depression from reduced responsiveness of the respiratory center to carbon dioxide. This combination is dose-dependent and particularly concerning in opioid-naïve patients, the elderly, or those with lung disease, so monitoring respiration rate, oxygenation, and level of consciousness is essential and dose adjustments or reversal with naloxone may be needed if breathing becomes too slow or shallow. Nausea can occur as well, but it’s not as universally prominent as the central depressant effects. Long-term use often leads to constipation, and itching or rash can occur due to histamine release. Hypertension is not typically a feature of morphine toxicity; if anything, hypotension can occur due to vasodilation.

Morphine is a potent opioid that depresses the central nervous system, especially the brainstem centers that control breathing. The most common and clinically important adverse effects reflect this action: drowsiness from overall CNS slowing and respiratory depression from reduced responsiveness of the respiratory center to carbon dioxide. This combination is dose-dependent and particularly concerning in opioid-naïve patients, the elderly, or those with lung disease, so monitoring respiration rate, oxygenation, and level of consciousness is essential and dose adjustments or reversal with naloxone may be needed if breathing becomes too slow or shallow.

Nausea can occur as well, but it’s not as universally prominent as the central depressant effects. Long-term use often leads to constipation, and itching or rash can occur due to histamine release. Hypertension is not typically a feature of morphine toxicity; if anything, hypotension can occur due to vasodilation.