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Updated: May 21, 2026

Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
Novel patch for transdermal administration of morphine.
Naoki Inui1, Tatsuhisa Kato, Shinya Uchida
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan. inui@hama-med.ac.jp
This study demonstrates successful systemic absorption of morphine via a novel transdermal patch. The formulation, using polyethylene sponge foam, achieved detectable plasma morphine levels within 24 hours without serious adverse events.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Pain Management
Background:
- Transdermal morphine delivery through intact skin has not been previously reported.
- Development of effective transdermal drug delivery systems is crucial for improved patient compliance and reduced side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel transdermal morphine hydrochloride patch.
- To assess the systemic absorption and pharmacokinetic profile of morphine delivered via a transdermal system.
Main Methods:
- A novel transdermal morphine hydrochloride patch formulation utilizing polyethylene sponge foam was developed.
- The patch was administered to five subjects with intact skin.
- Plasma concentrations of morphine and its metabolites were analyzed over 72 hours.
Main Results:
- Systemic absorption of morphine was confirmed, with plasma concentrations exceeding assay detection limits by 24 hours.
- Morphine levels increased in a time-dependent manner without significant adverse events.
- Key pharmacokinetic parameters, including AUC(0-72) for morphine and its glucuronides, were determined, showing a notable ratio for morphine-6-glucuronide.
Conclusions:
- The developed transdermal morphine patch demonstrates feasibility for systemic drug delivery.
- These findings provide valuable data for the future development of transdermal morphine systems.
- Further research is warranted to optimize the formulation and assess long-term efficacy and safety.
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