diamorphine (parenteral)
Last reviewed 01/2018
Indications:
- acute, severe pain from trauma, surgery etc
- pain relief in vomiting, dysphagia or terminal illness
- pulmonary oedema
Dose:
- 2.5-10mg i.m., s.c. or slow i.v. 4-hourly 2.5mg in the elderly, as even 5mg can cause apnoea 10mg in a heavy-muscled patient
- don't give if significant head injury or possible intraperitoneal injury: ambulances carry Entonox