STUDIES OF DRUGS GIVEN BEFORE ANAESTHESIA VIII: MORPHINE 10 MG ALONE AND WITH ATROPINE OR HYOSCINE

Abstract

Comparing the effects of morphine 10 mg with morphine-atropine and with morphine-hyoscine it seems, from almost every standpoint, that this last combination is to be preferred. Pre-operatively, it produces better sedation and reduces the incidence of nausea and vomiting. During anaesthesia it reduces the frequency of hiccough without leading to an alarming amount of involuntary muscle movement. Postoperatively, there is a high incidence of nausea and vomiting following morphine alone which is much lower after morphine-hyoscine. Morphine-atropine is intermediate in most of its actions and, except when the tachycardia is particularly desired, has no particular value.