Pharmacology – MCQ 128 – Uses of morphine

Morphine can be used in all the following conditions except:
A. Head injury
B. Asthma
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Diabetes

Correct answer : A. Head injury

Morphine is contraindicated in head injury for the following reasons:

• Causes carbondioxide retention – this in turn increases intracranial tension
• Therapeutic doses can cause respiratory depression in head injury patients
• Vomiting, miosis and altered mentation caused by morphine can interfere with assessment of neurological status

Morphine should be avoided in those with bronchial asthma as it can precipitate an attack of asthma. But it is not contraindicated. Patients with hypothyroidism are more sensitive to the effects of morphine.