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Trends in Drug Delivery Review Article

Morphine: A Pharmacological Perspective on Its Cancer Pain Management

  1. Mohd. Wasiullah Department of Pharmacy, Prasad Institute of Technology, Jaunpur
  2. Piyush Yadav Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Prasad Institute of Technology
  3. Anjali Maurya Department of Pharmacy, Prasad Institute of Technology, Jaunpur
  4. Shikha Yadav Department of Pharmacy, Prasad Institute of Technology, Jaunpur

Abstract

Morphine continues to be a key treatment in managing cancer pain because of its strong pain-relieving effects and established clinical history. Despite the emergence of alternative opioids and pain management therapies, morphine continues to be widely prescribed, particularly in palliative care settings. However, its use has been accompanied by concerns regarding tolerance, dependence, and adverse effects, which complicate long-term administration. This review explores the pharmacological aspects of morphine in cancer pain management, including its pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, and the challenges it poses for patients. Special attention is given to pediatrics, geriatrics, and patients with renal or liver impairment. The article also discusses emerging therapeutic strategies, such as transdermal delivery systems, multimodal analgesia, and personalized medicine approaches, to improve pain control while minimizing side effects. Future research avenues and potential innovations in opioid therapies, including kappa and delta receptor agonists, provide promising directions to address the global challenge of cancer pain relief.

Keywords

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