DepoDur
Generic Name:
Morphine sulfate
Brand Names:
DepoDur Description:
DepoDur is an extended-release morphine sulfate injection used for post-surgical pain management. DepoDur, an opiate drug, is frequently used to treat pain following lower extremity orthopedic surgery, lower abdominal surgery, or after cesarean sections in childbirth.
DepoDur is available in a suspension form that must be administered through the epidural space (lower back/lumbar area) with a needle. Pain relieving benefits of DepoDur can last up to 48 hours.
DepoDur Uses:
DepoDur is a long-acting, opioid pain reliever that provides quick relief from post-surgical pain. DepoDur is the only extended-released morphine sulfate medication that has been approved by the FDA to use for post-surgical pain management. Morphine, the main ingredient of DepoDur, affects the central nervous system and produces feelings of analgesia, anxiolysis (sedation to reduce anxiety), euphoria, and relaxation.
Morphine works by delivering the narcotic to receptors in the brain that respond specifically to opiates. These receptors block transmission of pain through neurological pathways.
DepoDur Interactions:
DepoDur should not be given in combination with the following medications due to the possibility for respiratory depression, hypotension, sedation, and coma:
- Antihistamines
- CNS depressant medications
- Droperidol
- General anesthetics
- Lidocaine with epinephrine
- Local anesthetics
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Muscle relaxants
- Naltrexone
- Neuroleptics
- Other opiate medications
- Phenothiazines
- Psychiatric medications (phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants)
- Sedatives
DepoDur Dosage Information:
DepoDur is to be given via needle or catheter into the epidural space of the lumbar spine. Doses can vary from patient to patient. The usual dose of this medication to control pain associated with major orthopedic surgeries is 15 mg. Patients who have undergone abdominal or pelvic surgery are typically given a dose of 10 to 15 mg. For cesarean sections, the usual dose is 10 mg. Doses may depend on age, body mass, other medications used, and risk factors for respiratory depression.
Missing a Dose:
Patients do not take this medication by themselves, so missing a dose of DepoDur is unlikely.
Overdosing:
Opiate overdose can be recognized by symptoms such as:
- Pinpoint pupils
- Asphyxia (absence of pulse)
- Marked dilation of the pupil (mydriasis)
Other signs of overdose include:
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Excessive drowsiness
- Slowed heartbeat
- Constant dizziness or fainting
- Loss of conciousness
Overdose of DepoDur can cause many serious medical conditions, including:
- Respiratory distress
- Circulatory collapse
- Pauses in breathing (apnea)
- Cardiac arrest
- Death
Naloxone is considered to be the most effective antidote against opiate overdosage. Patients who have shown symptoms of overdose on DepoDur should be treated with repeated doses of naloxone and respiratory resuscitation.
DepoDur FDA Approval:
May 18, 2004
DepoDur Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There are no recalls for DepoDur.
Other warnings
DepoDur has a warning regarding its potential to cause dependence. Patients can develop both psychological and physical dependence to this medication. DepoDur should be given with extra care to patients who have taken other opiate medications prior to the administration of DepoDur.
In September 2009, the FDA instructed the manufactures of DepoDur to change the label information of this medication to include the following instructions:
- Warning for elderly persons to be given this medication only after an assessment has been done of their body mass, age, physical status and their previous experience with opiate medications
- Information about the risk factors of respiratory depression
- List of medications that can be co-administered before or during the surgical procedure
DepoDur can cause serious respiratory reactions. Patients who have received epidural DepoDur injections should be very vigilantly monitored in a well-equipped clinical setting for at least 48 hours. They should be supervised and observed by a team of professionals who are well versed in treating patients with opiate overdose.
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July 30, 2010, 2:23 pm
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July 29, 2010, 12:33 pm
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