Morphine sulfate: syringe compatibility information for use during COVID-19

During COVID-19 mixing drugs in a syringe may be more necessary than normal.  For our background page on syringe compatibility during COVID-19 go here. Morphine…

What naloxone doses should be used in adults to urgently reverse the effects of opioids?

The opioid antagonist, naloxone, is a highly effective antidote the use of which is potentially life-saving. The drug has a role in a wide range…

Which opioids can be used in renal impairment?

Opioids are used in a wide variety of clinical settings and are well established for the treatment of both acute and chronic pain. Renal impairment…

What is the risk of interaction between opioids and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?

This article considers the risks of interaction between opioids and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. The use of MAOIs with opioids is contraindicated or cautioned by manufacturers.…

How should medicines be dosed in children who are obese?

Obesity results in physiological changes that can affect the volume of distribution and the clearance of drugs. The extent of these changes is variable and…

How should conversion from oral morphine to fentanyl patches be carried out?

Please note this medicines Q&A was researched and written over 2 years ago. When using this document it is important to consider new information which…

What are the equivalent doses of oral morphine to other oral opioids when used as analgesics in adult palliative care?

Morphine is generally the strong opioid of choice for treating moderate to severe cancer pain and a common question is how to convert a dose…

Who can supply or administer Controlled Drugs under the terms of a Patient Group Direction and under what circumstances?

The use of controlled drugs is regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. Not all professions listed…