Key points about morphine infusions
- a morphine infusion will help manage your child's pain
- the healthcare team will check regularly to make sure your child is safe and comfortable
What is a morphine infusion?
A morphine infusion is a pain relief medicine given continuously into a vein through a pump. Tamariki usually have it after an operation. Sometimes they may have it to manage pain from a medical condition or injury.
How morphine infusions work
Your child may have a morphine infusion for pain relief after surgery.
A health professional connects the pump to your child’s intravenous (IV) line. The IV line is a thin plastic tube (cannula) placed in your child’s vein. This allows the medicine to go straight into the bloodstream so it can work quickly.
Will my child need any other pain relief?
Sometimes tamariki may need extra doses of pain relief through the pump. This is called patient controlled analgesia (PCA) or nurse controlled analgesia (NCA).
PCA and NCA let tamariki receive pain medicine when they need it. The pump gives medicine (usually morphine) when your child or the nurse presses a hand-held button.
PCA and NCA may not be available at all hospitals.
Morphine infusion safety
A morphine infusion is very safe. A health professional sets up the pump before connecting it to your child’s IV line.
The pump has safety features that stop it giving too much medicine. It is locked with a key so no one can change the settings.
Checking the morphine infusion
While your child has a morphine infusion, a health professional will regularly check their:
- breathing
- heart rate
- oxygen levels
- comfort level
They can adjust your child’s pain relief if needed.
Possible side effects from a morphine infusion
Morphine can cause:
- sleepiness
- a sick feeling (nausea)
- constipation
- itching
- slow breathing
Health professionals will watch closely for side effects. They can adjust the dose or give other medicines to help.
How long morphine infusions are used for
Tamariki usually have a morphine infusion for a short time after an operation. It may be used for around 24 hours, or until your child can eat and drink.
The healthcare team will check your child’s pain regularly. Once your child is eating normally, they can switch to pain medicine by mouth. The team will turn off the pump when your child no longer needs it.
Can my child become addicted to morphine after having a morphine infusion?
No. Tamariki who use morphine for a short time to manage pain will not become addicted.
Acknowledgements
Starship Foundation and the Paediatric Society of New Zealand acknowledge the cooperation of the Starship Children’s Hospital, Auckland District Health Board in making the content on this page available to patients and families.
