Respiratory Depression during Oral MS-Contin Administration for Pain Management of Gall Bladder Cancer

말기 담낭암 환자의 통증조절을 위해 MS Contin 투여중 발생한 호흡억제 -증례 보고-

MS-Contin is an oral controlled-release preparation of morphine sulfate that has been used widely in the management of advanced cancer pain. It prolongs plasma concentration of morphine with no observable accumulation properties following repeated dosing, thereby promoting uninterrupted sleep and hopefully improving patient's quality of life. The common side effects of MS Contin are nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and constipation. But these symptoms are usually mild and respiratory depression is a rare problem. We experienced respiratory depression during oral administration of MS contin for the pain management of advanced gall bladder cancer of 76 years old male patient with metastasis at liver, intestine and cervical lymph node. After we increased the dosage of MS Contin from 160mg to 220mg per day, due to abdominal pain, we observed morphine reaction of MS Contin overdose such as pinpoint pupil, deeply slow respiration below 8/minute, and drowsiness. After intravenous bolus injection of 0.4 mg naloxone followed by continuous administration of 0.2 mg/hr for 4 hours, the patient regained consciousness. The administered route of morphine was changed to intravenous PCA (patient controlled analgesia). There was no aspiration sign as confirmed by chest x-ray. The patient was comfortable and delayed no signs of respiratory depression until now.