Military Obstetrics & Gynecology
Pharmacy

Category:

• Analgesic

Description:

• Semisynthetic opiate agonist analgesic

Indications:

• Moderate to severe pain

• Cough suppressant

Contraindications:

• Patients with impaired respiratory function.

Precautions:

• Pregnancy Category C

• Patients will experience CNS effects of drowsiness and dizziness, therefore use caution with motor vehicle operation or other hazardous tasks.

• Avoid prolonged, sustained usage to decrease addiction potential.

• Use with caution with other CNS depressive medications.  

• Like any narcotic, may be addictive when used for prolonged periods of time (weeks to months).

• Pregnancy Category

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• Sedation

• Dizziness  

Dosage:

Administered in smallest effective dose and as infrequently as possible

Administered orally, rectally, SQ, IM or slow IV push

Adult:

• Normal: 2mg q4-6h as needed

• Severe pain/terminally-ill: 4mg (oral), 2mg (IM) or 3-4mg (IV) q3-6h as needed or tolerated

• Rectally: 3mg q6-8h as needed

Cough suppressant:

• Adults and children greater than 12 years old 1mg (oral) q3-4h

• Children 6-12 years old: 0.5 mg (oral) q3-4h