Intrathecal morphine indications

Intrathecal morphine is indicated for the management of pain not responsive to non-narcotic analgesics, but it should be administered in a fully equipped and staffed environment. Naloxone injection should be immediately available. Patients receiving intrathecal morphine should remain in this environment for at least 24 hours following the initial dose. Repeated intrathecal injections of morphine for acute pain are not recommended. 

Approved indication ziconotide intrathecal infusion is indicated for the management of severe chronic pain in patients for whom intrathecal therapy is warranted, and who are intolerant of or refractory to other treatment, such as systemic analgesics, adjimc-tive therapies, or intrathecal morphine. 

Intrathecal administration of the o-agonist clonidlne attenuated nociceptive responses in rats and cats. Attempts to characterize further the receptors involved as or 02 gave inconclusive results. Studies with monoamine depletors indicated that intact spinal adrenergic and serotonergic fibers are involved in a complex way in expression of morphine analgesia in rats.Adrenergic systems may mediate foot shock analgesia (rats, tail flick).A study in terminal cancer patients... 

---