Morphine in Acute Pulmonary Oedema Treatment

AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe will review the pharmacodynamics and clinical outcomes of morphine therapy for pulmonary oedema.Recent FindingsBoth animal and human studies demonstrate that morphine has vasodilatory properties. The effect on pulmonary hemodynamics seems to be neutral and possibly adverse on ventilation. Morphine, along with furosemide and nitrates, is routinely used to treat cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. Clinical data on the safety and efficacy of morphine for cardiogenic pulmonary oedema are scarce; however, morphine use has been correlated with increased rates of ICU admission and mechanical ventilation. European and American heart failure guidelines do not recommend routine use of morphine for cardiogenic pulmonary oedema.SummaryMorphine is of questionable benefit and may be harmful in treatment of acute pulmonary oedema. Clinical guidelines do not encourage routine use of morphine for pulmonary oedema; other medications for anxiolysis and vasodilation may be preferable.
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research