A double-blind comparison of codeine and morphine for postoperative analgesia following intracranial surgery.
Codeine and morphine were compared in a double-blind study of postoperative analgesia in 40 patients after intracranial neurosurgery. Eighteen patients received codeine phosphate 60 mg and 18 morphine sulphate 10 mg, both by intramuscular injection; 4 patients (10%) required no analgesia. Both drugs provided analgesia within 20 min of injection but morphine was more effective than codeine beyond 60 min (p = 0.01). Fewer doses of morphine than codeine were required (p = 0.003). Nine patients requested one dose of morphine and 9 two doses. Seven patients required three doses of codeine and 1 patient required four doses. Neither drug caused respiratory depression, sedation, pupillary constriction or unwanted cardiovascular effects. We conclude that, in the doses used, morphine is a safe alternative to codeine for analgesia after neurosurgery and has a more persistent action.
Goldsack
C
C
Department of Anaesthesia, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London.
Scuplak
S M
SM
Smith
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001921:Brain / Q000601:surgery; D003061:Codeine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009020:Morphine; D003061:Codeine