Study: Morphine-Like Drug Stronger, Longer-Lasting Than Standard Morphine

A little-known morphine-like drug could be more potent, longer-lasting and less likely to cause constipation than standard morphine, according to a study led by Loyola University Health System anesthesiologist Joseph Holtman Jr., MD.

The drug, morphine-6-0-sulfate, has a similar chemical structure to standard morphine and "demonstrated potential clinical advantages" over standard morphine in a study performed on rats, according to a health system release.

Dr. Holtman and his colleagues tested standard morphine and morphine-6-0 sulfate on rats. The animals received the drugs by mouth, by IV and by injection in the space surrounding the spinal cord and then underwent several well-established tests to determine sensitivity to pain.

The study showed morphine-6-0-sulfate to be more potent than standard morphine for neuropathic and inflammatory pain and less likely to cause constipation, a problem that causes some patients to limit their use of standard morphine.

Read the Loyola University Health System release on the study on morphine-6-0-sulfate.

Read more on anesthesia:

-Propofol Now Available From PharMEDium Services

-Pain Clinic License Revoked After Anesthesiologist Medical Director Contacts State

-10 Most-Read Anesthesia News Stories of 2010

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