Drug Name:Diamorphine
Drug Class:Opioid analgesic
Mechanism of Action:
  • Binds to mu-opioid receptors in the CNS
  • Inhibits the release of neurotransmitters such as substance P, GABA, and dopamine
  • Produces analgesia, sedation, and euphoria
Use:
  • Management of severe pain
  • Palliative care
  • Acute pain relief in myocardial infarction and pulmonary edema
Side Effects:
  • Respiratory depression
  • Sedation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Hypotension
  • Bradycardia
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Itching
  • Urinary retention
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to opioids
  • Respiratory depression
  • Severe asthma
  • Paralytic ileus
  • Head injury
  • Increased intracranial pressure
  • Severe hepatic or renal impairment
  • Pregnancy
Specialty:
  • Pain management
  • Palliative care
  • Emergency medicine