Discussion of available agents has been limited to morphine and hydromorphone. ED physicians choose the agent with which they are most familiar and comfortable. Clinicians who choose to use meperidine should remember that it provides some euphoria and also has an active metabolite that may build up. Analgesics - Pain relief should be a high priority. Pain control is essential to quality patient care.
Analgesics ensure patient comfort, promote pulmonary toilet, and have sedating properties.
Initial dose dependent on whether patient already is taking narcotic analgesics. Larger doses required in patients taking long-term narcotic analgesics. ED physician should begin at lowest available dose in newly diagnosed patients. No intrinsic limit to the amount that can be given exists, as long as patient is observed for signs of adverse effects, especially respiratory depression. Various IV doses are used, commonly titrated until desired effect obtained.