Accelerated titration of morphine for rapid relief of cancer pain
Lichter, I.
New Zealand Medical Journal 107(990): 488-490
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 7970368 Document Number: 431809
Aim: To reduce the time taken to achieve relief when a strong narcotic is indicated for the control of cancer pain. Method: A method of accelerated titration of morphine dosage is described. The time taken to achieve good pain control in 50 consecutive terminally ill cancer patients was recorded. Results: The average time to taken to control pain was 26 hours for patients being cared for at home, and 6 hours for hospice inpatients. Conclusions: Rapid pain control with morphine can be achieved safely within hours in most cancer patients with morphine responsive pain.