Morphine poisoning – symptoms, first aid

In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.

Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.

Morphine (Morphinum hydrochloricum) is one of many and pharmacologically the most important alkaloid of the garden poppy (Papaver somniferum). It has a strong analgesic and narcotic effect.

Morphine also has a stimulating effect on the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system, especially its centers in the brain and spine. It causes strong contractions of smooth muscles, especially sphincters, slower heart rate, and constriction of the pupils.

The raw material from which morphine is obtained is opium. It is the dried juice of unripe poppies. Opium contains two groups of alkaloids: one – like morphine – with a narcotic effect, the other having an antispasmodic effect on smooth muscles (as opposed to morphine). Cross-tolerance develops with prolonged use or abuse of opioids. The effectiveness of the analgesic and euphoric effect decreases quickly, while the depressive effect on the respiratory center is slightly weakened. Tolerance to the spastic effects of morphine does not develop, therefore we observe chronic constipation in addicts. Pin-shaped pupils do not change as a result of the development of tolerance. Morphine tolerance develops after 3 weeks.

Order today Shipment test for the presence of psychoactive substances – semi-quantitative determination, which shows, among others, the presence of morphine in the body.

Morphine causes psychophysical dependence (strong psychological dependence, rapid development of physical dependence). Symptoms of dysphoria, lacrimation, runny nose, insomnia (with persistent yawning), drenching sweats, increased blood pressure, muscle tremors, painful intestinal spasms, delirious states, convulsions, collapse appear after sudden discontinuation of the drug or the use of a pharmacological antagonist. Abstinence syndrome can be fatal due to myocardial infarction and respiratory failure.

symptoms

They appear as early as 8–12 hours after the last dose of morphine and reach their maximum intensity after 48–72 hours.

The nervous system: fear, hyperactivity, insomnia, the need to take opiates.

The circulatory system: increase in blood pressure and heart rate.

Digestive tract: abdominal cramp, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Eyes: pupil dilation.

Other: muscle stiffness, muscle tremors.

Among the alkaloids of the first group, it has also found therapeutic use in addition to morphine codeine (Codeinum phosphoricum). From the second group of alkaloids, such use is found in Papaverinum hydrochloricum.

A synthetic analgesic, chemically different from morphine and 10 times less narcotic, is if that. All “opiates”, ie morphine and its derivatives as well as opium and its products, induce habituation and can cause drug addiction. Toxic doses cause narcotic sleep and act to inhibit and then paralyze the subcortical centers, especially the respiratory system.

Particular sensitivity in children and the elderly.

  1. Order a urine drug test from Medonet Market.

Symptoms of poisoning

The first symptom of poisoning (in those who are not accustomed, even after therapeutic doses) may be vomiting, redness of the face, feeling hot. At the same time, there is a narrowing of the pupils, a slowing of the pulse, and soon drowsiness, which after toxic doses – orally within an hour, and after injection within 10-15 minutes – turns into deepening narcotic sleep, with slow and shallow breathing, which with deepening the coma becomes irregular and eventually stops. In a coma, the skin is pale, dry and cold. Blood pressure lowers.

At Medonet Market you will find shipping tests, which include detect the presence of morphine in the human body. Buy now:

  1. Home drug test from urine – 6 drugs,
  2. Home Drug Test – Cannabinoids and THC in Urine
  3. Home drug test from saliva – 6 drugs.

First aid

Immediately after ingestion and in the poisoned conscious patients, the following are used: activated charcoal in water solution, inducing vomiting (even in parenteral poisoning, as morphine is secreted into the stomach), laxatives, Glauber’s salt. In the event of subcutaneous injection of a toxic dose, apply an ice pack to the area of ​​the injection, above the venous pressure. In addition, such activities as in coma in the course of barbiturate poisoning.

The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.

Leave a Reply