Pulmonary oedema--prehospital treatment. Caution with morphine dosage.

Med J Aust · 1992

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To inform doctors of potential hazards if opioids are administered in excessive doses to patients with acute pulmonary oedema. CLINICAL FEATURES: Three elderly patients were unresponsive and hypotensive on arrival in the emergency department. All had received morphine parenterally as a component of prehospital treatment for acute pulmonary oedema. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOME: All were given naloxone intravenously, regained consciousness and had a rise in blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Parenteral administration of opioids should be used with caution in acute pulmonary oedema. The authors present a protocol for prehospital drug therapy.