Final answer:
The general conversion from oral to IV morphine is 3:1, meaning 3 mg PO is equivalent to 1 mg IV. Adjustments should be made considering individual patient factors and starting with a lower dose may be prudent to ensure safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The conversion ratio for oral (PO) to intravenous (IV) morphine is generally considered to be around 3:1, meaning that for every 3 mg of oral morphine, 1 mg of IV morphine can be used as an equivalent dose.
When converting from oral to IV morphine, it is essential to consider factors such as the patient's opioid tolerance, age, weight, kidney and liver function, and the presence of any other medical conditions. Additionally, in clinical practice, a more conservative conversion may be used, accounting for incomplete cross-tolerance between different opioids and individual patient response. This often results in starting with a lower dose of IV morphine and adjusting as needed based on the patient's pain level and response to the medication. It's also crucial to monitor the patient for signs of opioid toxicity when converting dosages. Always follow established protocols or consult a pharmacist or pain specialist when in doubt.