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Updated: Jul 25, 2026
07:23
Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
Morphine in cancer pain management: a practical guide
Sinead Donnelly1, Mellar P Davis, Declan Walsh
1Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine.
Summary
Morphine effectively manages severe cancer pain by blocking pain signals in the nervous system. Its unique metabolism and various administration routes, including topical, offer versatile options for patients, with renal failure impacting its pharmacokinetics.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Morphine is a cornerstone analgesic for severe pain in advanced cancer.
- Understanding its clinical use and mechanisms is crucial for effective patient care.
Framework:
- Morphine acts presynaptically and postsynaptically to inhibit nociception.
- Unique glucuronidation metabolism produces active morphine-6-glucuronide.
Implementation:
- Pharmacokinetics are influenced by hydrophilic properties, distribution, administration route, and clearance.
- Renal failure significantly alters morphine pharmacokinetics compared to cirrhosis.
- Age and polypharmacy also impact morphine pharmacokinetics.
Implications:
- Morphine offers diverse administration routes: oral, rectal, subcutaneous, intravenous, epidural, and intrathecal.
- Topical morphine shows promise for cutaneous pain relief.
- Clinical guidelines, including those from the Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, guide morphine administration.
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