A comparison of the efficacy and safety of morphine and pethidine as analgesia for suspected renal colic in the emergency setting.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare morphine and pethidine in patients with clinically suspected renal colic with regard to analgesic efficacy, patient satisfaction and side effects.


METHODS
double blinded, randomised controlled trial.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference between morphine and pethidine with respect to any of the parameters measured.


CONCLUSIONS
Because of the well known adverse effects that may be associated with pethidine use, the authors recommend that morphine should be the preferred agent in suspected renal colic, when an opioid analgesic is to be used.
O'Connor
A
A
Department of Emergency Medicine, Auckland Hospital, New Zealand. Alan.O'Connor@act.gov.au
Schug
S A
SA
Cardwell
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D003085:Colic; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases; D008614:Meperidine; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009020:Morphine; D008614:Meperidine