title: Finding an optimal dose: considerations in accurate opioid dispensing.
abstract: Morphine sulfate is widely prescribed for the relief of moderate to severe acute and chronic pain. Unfortunately, medication errors associated with morphine sulfate can result in patient harm; profound respiratory depression can result from excessive doses in opioid-naïve patients. An actual medication order containing a potentially toxic overdose of morphine sulfate is examined. Patients habituated to high doses of morphine sulfate are at risk from underdosing, a hazard also of concern.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Little Rock 72205, USA.
authors.forename: E B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Dunn
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Wolfe
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008614:Meperidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010595:Pharmacists
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009020:Morphine; D008614:Meperidine