Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

NG39/3

Question

Morphine compared with ketamine for first-line management of pain:- Is morphine clinically and cost effective compared with ketamine for first-line pharmacological pain management (in both pre-hospital and hospital settings) in patients with major trauma?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- The use of opioids as first-line analgesics after major trauma is well established but has been associated with negative side effects. Consequently, intravenous ketamine in sub-anaesthetic doses is often used for analgesia in pre-hospital and hospital settings. Some studies have suggested that intravenous morphine in combination with ketamine provides more effective analgesia than morphine alone. However, there is little evidence from well-controlled trials that directly compares the effectiveness and side effects of morphine and ketamine.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Major trauma: assessment and initial management

Number

NG39

Date issued

February 2016

Other details