Reviewed by Dr Carl Kuschel, Simon Rowley, and Brenda Hughes
February 2001 Administration Newborn Drug Protocol Index Newborn
Services Home Page   Dose and Administration  Neonatal
Abstinence Syndrome    1. Start at 500 micrograms/kg/day orally
1     This is usually prescribed 6-hourly. Dose may need to be
increased with severe withdrawal before weaning can take place.
2. Reduce dose by 10-15% of the original dose every 2-3 days as
tolerated.     1. Ventilated 100 - 200 micrograms/kg/dose.   2.
Non-ventilated 50 micrograms/kg/dose     1. Neonatal Abstinence
Syndrome   2. Sedation  Contraindications and Precautions    1.
Known hypersensitivity to opiates.   2. Hypovolaemia,
hypotension.   3. Caution in preterm infants, especially very
immature.   4. Caution in neonates with hepatic and renal
impairment.   5. Caution in neonates with cardiac arrhythmias.
Clinical Pharmacology  Morphine hydrochloride is a narcotic
analgesic which stimulates opioid receptors in the central
nervous system (mimics actions of enc