Description

Morphine sulfate appears as white odorless crystals that are soluble in water. Derived from opium, it is a naturally occurring opiate analgesic that is used to relieve moderate to severe pain and also as a pre-anesthetic agent for some surgical procedures.

Usage

Morphine sulfate is used as a narcotic analgesic to relieve moderate to severe pain, and also as a pre-anesthetic agent for some surgical procedures.

Dosage and Administration

Morphine Sulfate
Method	Dosage (click row for calculator)	Concentration	Period	Duration
Slow Intravenous or Intramuscular injection	0.22 mg/kg	50 mg/ml	Treatment	NA
Slow Intravenous injection2	0.2-0.6 mg/kg	50 mg/ml	Treatment	NA
Notes: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Extra-label use of drugs in treating animals is allowable only by licensed veterinarians within the context of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and does not include drug use in treating animals by the layman (except under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian). 1Use and administration of morphine sulfate should always occur under the supervision of a veterinarian because it is extremely difficult to determine the best dosage for each individual animal. All information on the manufacturer's insert should be read carefully before using morphine sulfate. 2Premedicate with xylazine 1 mg/kg IV (Jenkins) A wide variety of dose concentrations are available. Check label carefully. Calculator is for educational purposes only. Follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding use of this, or any medication.

Side Effects

Narcotics such as morphine sulfate may cause central nervous system excitement in horses. Some veterinarians recommend pretreatment with acepromazine or xylazine to reduce the behavioral changes morphine can cause. Horses may exhibit signs of hyperthermia. They may also appear restless, and, at high doses, suffer convulsions.

Precautions

Morphine sulfate may mask signs of colic and cardiovascular symptoms.

Morphine sulfate is a narcotic drug. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian.

Morphine sulfate would be prohibited in any sanctioned competition. Check with the proper regulatory board.

Interactions

Other CNS depressants may cause increased CNS or respiratory depression when used with morphine.

Overdose

Overdose may produce profound respiratory and central nervous system depression. Toxic effects can include cardiovascular collapse and skeletal muscle hypotonia. Naloxone is recommended to treat respiratory depression caused by overdose.