![]() ![]() ![]() For example, 30mg of diamorphine is the same as 45mg of morphine. One potential hazard is that although diamorphine and morphine are almost identical, doses of them are not therapeutically equivalent. In many of these cases, the doctor or nurse wrongly selected a 30mg ampoule of the drug instead of one of lower strength, causing an overdose.īetween January and October 2005 the NPSA received 16 other reports of patient safety incidents involving the drugs that occurred in the NHS, mainly in hospitals, which left two people dead.Īs the NPSA explains: "A high dose of these medicines can be too much for a patient who has not been given morphine or diamorphine before, and can cause breathing problems, unconsciousness and, in rare cases, be fatal." High doses should be given only to those who are on long-term pain relief and can tolerate receiving large amounts. ![]() The National Patient Safety Agency says seven case reports were published between 20 into deaths caused by a high dose of diamorphine or morphine – that is, at least 30 milligrams – being given to a patient who had not previously received an opiate. Diamorphine isn't stronger than morphine, but it does work quicker, so will sometimes be chosen for that reason." It's a pharmaceutical or purified version of heroin. Diamorphine is recommended in official NHS guidelines for doctors who are working out of normal hours as the best medication to give a patient who has cardiac pain or is receiving palliative care.Ī senior doctor explained: "Diamorphine is basically heroin. ![]()
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