Comparative Morphine Pharmacokinetics Following Sublingual, Intramuscular, and Oral Administration in Patients with Cancer

ABSTRACT

Previous literature reports have suggested that sublingually administered morphine sulfate results in an improved bioavailability of the drug when compared to orally administered morphine. To investigate this possibility further, we studied six cancer patients all of whom received 10 mg doses of morphine sulfate by intramuscular, oral and sublingual routes. Pharmacokinetic analyses failed to suggest an advantage of sublingual administration when compared with oral dosing. Bioavailability of morphine following intramuscular administration appeared superior to both oral and sublingual routes.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tom Davis

Tom Davis, PharmD, is affiliated with St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, ND 58501.

Angela W. Miser

Angela W. Miser, MB, BS, is Special Project Associate, North Central Cancer Treatment Group, Rochester, MN 55905.

Charles L. Loprinzi

Charle s L. Loprinzi, MD, is associated with the Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.

Judith S. Kaur

Judith S. Kaur, MD, is affiliated with Kaur Clinic, Bismarck, ND 58501.

Nora L. Burnham

Nora L. Burnham, PharmD, and Ann Marie Dose, RN, OCN, are with the Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic.

Ann Marie Dose

Nora L. Burnham, PharmD, and Ann Marie Dose, RN, OCN, are with the Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic.

Matthew M. Ames

Matthew M. Ames, PhD, is associated with the Division of Developmental Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic.