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Is Taking MS Contin Advisable For Respiratory Diseases While On Morphine?
My sister is a cancer patient in the hospital right now, because she had a stroke a couple of weeks ago. The doctor here increased her morphine dose 2 nights ago from 2mg to 4mg. Last night, he increased it to 8mg, and this morning added MS Contin only 15 minutes before the 8mg morphine dose. I am reading that MS Contin is contra-indicated for any pt that has respiratory problems or asthma. She has both of thos problems. I am also concerned that they crushed the MS Contin and gave it to her, and because it is an extended release tab, and also a form of morphine, I am worried that she might overdose, since it says this tab should never be taken crushed up. I ve been waiting for a couple of hours to discuss this concern with her doctor, but I am sling you about MS Contin. Should it be given to a pt with respiratory issues? And,should it ever be crushed? Thank you.
Sat, 10 May 2014
Hi,
It may be given under careful monitoring. Based on the history your sister seems to be not responding to standard therapeutic doses of morphine hence her doctor advised her to take MS Contin tablets in an attempt to control her pains.
Morphine should not be given to patients suffering from severe asthma as long as your sister's asthma is under control an extra dose of morphine should not cause any issues however she should be monitored carefully for any breathing problems. The MS Contin tablet should be swallowed as whole, it should not be chewed or crushed other wise it can cause an overdose of the medication.
Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
It may be given under careful monitoring. Based on the history your sister seems to be not responding to standard therapeutic doses of morphine hence her doctor advised her to take MS Contin tablets in an attempt to control her pains.
Morphine should not be given to patients suffering from severe asthma as long as your sister's asthma is under control an extra dose of morphine should not cause any issues however she should be monitored carefully for any breathing problems. The MS Contin tablet should be swallowed as whole, it should not be chewed or crushed other wise it can cause an overdose of the medication.
Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
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