The relationship between age and morphine infusion rate in children

Abstract

Morphine infusions at steady-state did not mirror clearance maturation in children nursed in our hospital. We suggest that initial infusion rates in children are started at 10 μg · kg(-1) per h in neonates, 15 μg · kg(-1) per h in toddlers and 25 μg · kg(-1) per h in children above the age of 5 years. The large variability associated with infusion rates means that subsequent infusion rates will depend on feedback from pain scores, adjuvant medications and adverse effects.