Apart from its use in the treatment of pain, morphine is an invaluable drug in the relief of orthopnoea, paroxysmal dyspnoea and acute pulmonary edema. This action is presumably due to depression of the respiratory centre and of the Herring-Breuer reflex and to the relief of restlessness and anxiety. For a few days after the onset of nocturnal dyspnoea it is reasonable to give a prophylactic injection at bedtime or an opiate by mouth. Unfortunately morphine is apt to produce vomiting which is particularly undesirable in a patient who is seriously ill. Vomiting can usual be prevented by giving an antihistamine tablet, e.g. cyclizine (Marine) or chlorpromazine at the same time.
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