Morphine for Heart Attack

Examples
Generic NameChemical Name
morphine  

How It Works

Morphine is an opioid. It acts upon specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord to decrease the feeling of pain and to reduce the emotional response to pain.

Why It Is Used

For a heart attack, morphine is used in the emergency setting to relieve pain.

How Well It Works

Morphine effectively treats moderate to severe pain.

Side Effects

Morphine is given in the hospital. So a person is watched closely for any side effects.

Common side effects of morphine include:

  • Trouble breathing.
  • Feeling lightheaded or tired.
  • Nausea.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

For a heart attack, morphine is given for a short time to relieve pain.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: April 29, 2011
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology

© 1995-, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.



Topic Contents