title: Use of the subcutaneous route of administration of morphine in the intensive care unit.
abstract: Subcutaneous morphine was administered to 13 consecutive patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Intermittent injections via a butterfly needle and via continuous infusion were used in 11 and 2 cases, respectively. The mean daily dose of morphine and mean duration of treatment were 108 +/- 128mg and 5 +/- 4 days, respectively. Only 3 episodes of local irritation were detected in 60 patient days. We conclude that the subcutaneous route is safe and effective for patients receiving morphine in the intensive care unit setting, and it allows for continuation of treatment when patients are discharged to the general hospital wards.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bruera
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gibney
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stollery
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marcushamer
mesh_terms: D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009339:Needles
chemical_list: D009020:Morphine