POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA WITH DUROMORPH

The analgesic effects and bioavailability of a slow-release preparation of morphine (Duromorph) were studied in 12 patients with acute postoperative pain. Duromorph produced significant analgesia within 1–2 h of administration i.m., and there was a progressive decrease in the mean pain score for at least 8 h. None of the patients requested or received additional analgesia within 12 h, and the incidence of side-effects was similar to that associated with i.m. morphine. During the 8-h study, plasma concentrations of morphine slowly increased for 3 h, and then gradually declined. After 3 h, concentrations were invariably greater than those produced by conventional doses of morphine sulphate i.m. The study confirmed that Duromorph was an effective analgesic with a prolonged duration of action, which was suitable for the management of postoperative pain.