Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Diamorphine hydrochloride may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for • If you notice any of the following signs whilst using Diamorphine Injection, it could be a sign that you have become dependent or addicted: This medicine had been prescribed for you to relieve moderate to severe
best treatment pathway for you, including when it is appropriate to stop Diamorphine Injection and how to stop safely (see section 3, If you stop using Diamorphine Injection). Diamorphine Injection should not be given if you: Sleep-related breathing disorders
Diamorphine should be given in reduced doses or with caution to patients with asthma or decreased respiratory reserve (including kyphoscoliosis, emphysema, severe obesity, cor pulmonale). Avoid use during an acute asthma attack (see 4.3 Contraindications). Use with caution or in reduced doses in patients with toxic psychosis, CNS depression, myxoedema, prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture, severe inflammatory or obstructive bowel disorders, hypotension, shock, convulsive disorders, adrenal insufficiency or debilitated patients. Care should be exercised in treating the elderly, children or debilitated patients and those with hepatic or renal impairment (see 4.2 Posology for dosage recommendations). Palliative care – in the control of pain in terminal illness, these conditions should not necessarily be a deterrent to use. Opioid use disorder (abuse and dependence) Tolerance, physical and psychological dependence, and opioid use disorder (OUD) may develop upon repeated administration of opioids such as Diamorphine. A higher dose and longer duration of opioid treatment can increase the risk of developing OUD. Abuse or intentional misuse of Diamorphine Injection may result in overdose and/or death. The risk of developing OUD is increased in patients with a personal or a family history (parents or siblings) of substance use disorders (including alcohol use disorder), in current tobacco users or in patients with a personal history of other mental health disorders (e.g. major depression, anxiety and personality disorders). For patients with signs and symptoms of OUD, consultation with an addiction specialist should be considered. For all patients, prolonged use of this product may lead to drug dependence (addiction), even at therapeutic doses. The risks are increased in individuals with current or past history of substance misuse disorder (including alcohol misuse) or mental health disorder (e.g., major depression). Additional support and monitoring may be necessary when prescribing for patients at risk of opioid misuse. A comprehensive patient history should be taken to document concomitant medications, including over-the-counter medicines and medicines obtained on-line, and past and present medical and psychiatric conditions. Patients may find that treatment is less effective with chronic use and express a need to increase the dose to obtain the same level of pain control as initially experienced. Patients may also supplement their treatment with additional pain relievers. These could be signs that the patient is developing tolerance. The risks of developing tolerance should be explained to the patient. Overuse or misuse may result in overdose and/or death. It is important that patients only use medicines that are prescribed for them at the dose they have been prescribed and do not give this medicine to anyone else. Patients should be closely monitored for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction. The clinical need for analgesic treatment should be reviewed regularly. Drug withdrawal syndrome Prior to starting treatment with any opioids, a discussion should be held with patients to put in place a withdrawal strategy for ending treatment with diamorphine. Drug withdrawal syndrome may occur upon abrupt cessation of therapy or dose reduction. When a patient no longer requires therapy, it is advisable to taper the dose gradually to minimise symptoms of withdrawal. Tapering from a high dose may take weeks to months. The opioid drug withdrawal syndrome is characterised by some or all of the following: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhoea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, mydriasis and palpitations. Other symptoms may also develop including irritability, agitation, anxiety, hyperkinesia, tremor, weakness, insomnia, anorexia, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased blood pressure, increased respiratory rate or heart rate. If women take this drug during pregnancy, there is a risk that their newborn infants will experience neonatal withdrawal syndrome. Hyperalgesia Hyperalgesia may be diagnosed if the patient on long-term opioid therapy presents with increased pain. This might be qualitatively and anatomically distinct from pain related to disease progression or to breakthrough pain resulting from development of opioid tolerance. Pain associated with hyperalgesia tends to be more diffuse than the pre-existing pain and less defined in quality. Symptoms of hyperalgesia may resolve with a reduction of opioid dose. Sleep-related breathing disorders Opioids can cause sleep-related breathing disorders including central sleep apnoea (CSA) and sleep-related hypoxemia. Opioid use increases the risk of CSA in a dose-dependent fashion. In patients who present with CSA, consider decreasing the total opioid dosage. 4.5 Interaction with other Medicinal Products and other forms of Interaction Alcohol: Alcohol may enhance the sedative and hypotensive effects of diamorphine. Anti-arrhythmics: Diamorphine may delay the absorption of mexiletine. Antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics: Severe CNS excitation or depression (hypertension or hypotension) has been reported with the concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and pethidine. It is therefore possible that a similar interaction may occur with other opioid analgesics – avoid concomitant use and for two weeks after stopping MAOIs. The depressant effects of diamorphine may be exaggerated and prolonged by tricyclic antidepressants, anxiolytics and hypnotics. Antivirals: Plasma concentration of opioid analgesics (except methadone) is possibly increased by ritinovir. Opioids potentiate the effects of CNS depressants including tricyclic antidepressants, anxiolytics and hypnotics.
Customer
Wockhardt UK Limited
Description
DIAMORPHINE AMP COMMON FLAT LEAFLET
Item Code
103917/8
Profile
As per the uploaded annotated pdf
Size
460 x 150mm
Min.Point Size
Other
Market
UK
Language
English
Standard
Pharma Height
7mm Minimum
PRINTING COLOURS
DATE
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reconstitution for injection. Diamorphine Injection is available in six strengths (5 mg, 10 mg, 30 mg, 100 Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although mg, 250 mg, or 500 mg of diamorphine hydrochloride) in packs of 5, 10 or not everybody gets them. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you 50 ampoules. experience the following serious side effect: Not all strengths and pack sizes may be marketed.
Antipsychotics: enhanced sedative and hypotensive effect. Antidiarrhoeal and antiperistaltic agents (such as loperamide and kaolin): concurrent use may increase the risk of severe constipation. Motility stimulants: There may be antagonism of the gastrointestinal effects of domperidone and metoclopramide. Cimetidine inhibits metabolism of opioid analgesics. The concomitant use of Diamorphine with gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin) may result in respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, coma or death. Concomitant administration of Diamorphine with anticholinergics or medications with anticholinergic activity (e.g. tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, muscle relaxants, anti-Parkinson drugs) may result in increased anticholinergic adverse effects. 4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation Pregnancy Regular use during pregnancy may cause drug dependence in the foetus, leading to withdrawal symptoms in the neonate. If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available. Administration during labour may depress respiration in the neonate and an antidote for the child should be readily available. Breast-feeding Administration to nursing women is not recommended as diamorphine may be secreted in breast milk and may cause respiratory depression in the infant. 4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines Diamorphine causes drowsiness and mental clouding. If affected patients should not drive or use machines. This medicine can impair cognitive function and can affect a patient's ability to drive safely. This class of medicine is in the list of drugs included in regulations under 5a of the Road Traffic Act 1988. When prescribing this medicine, patients should be told:
among diamorphine addicts. Other opioid overdose symptoms include cold, clammy skin, hypotension, bradycardia, circulatory failure, muscle flaccidity, severe weakness, severe nervousness or restlessness, confusion, severe dizziness, severe drowsiness, hallucinations, convulsions (especially in infants and children), rhabdomyolysis progressing to renal failure. b) Treatment Respiration and circulation should be maintained and the specific opioid antagonist, naloxone is indicated if coma or bradypnoea are present, using one of the recommended dosage regimens. Oxygen and assisted ventilation should be administered if necessary. 5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties Diamorphine is a narcotic analgesic which acts primarily on the central nervous system and smooth muscle. It is predominantly a central nervous system depressant but it has stimulant actions resulting in nausea, vomiting and miosis. 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties Diamorphine is a potent opiate analgesic which has a more rapid onset of activity than morphine as the first metabolite, monoacetylmorphine, more readily crosses the blood brain barrier. In man, diamorphine has a half-life of two to three minutes. Its first metabolite, monoacetylmorphine, is more slowly hydrolysed in the blood to be concentrated mainly in skeletal muscle, kidney, lung, liver and spleen. Monoacetylmorphine is metabolised to morphine. Morphine forms conjugates with glucuronic acid. The majority of the drug is excreted via the kidney as glucuronides and to a much lesser extent as morphine. About 7-10% is eliminated via the biliary system into the faeces. Diamorphine does not bind to protein. However, morphine is about 35% bound to human plasma proteins, mainly to albumin. The analgesic effect lasts approximately three to four hours. 5.3 Preclinical Safety Data There are no additional pre-clinical data of relevance to the prescriber. 6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 6.1 List of Excipients Water for Injections (Not detectable in the finished product). 6.2 Incompatibilities Physical incompatibility has been reported with mineral acids and alkalis and with chlorocresol. Mixtures of diamorphine with cyclizine, haloperidol or dexamethasone may result in precipitation. Mixtures of diamorphine and metoclopramide may become discoloured and should be discarded. Specialised references should be consulted for specific compatibility information. 6.3 Shelf Life Three years from date of manufacture 6.4 Special Precautions for Storage Do not store above 25°C. Keep container in the outer carton. 6.5 Nature and Contents of Container Diamorphine Hydrochloride 5mg for Injection, Diamorphine Hydrochloride 10mg for Injection and Diamorphine Hydrochloride 30mg for Injection – 2ml Neutral glass ampoules, PhEur. Type 1. Diamorphine Hydrochloride 100mg for Injection, Diamorphine Hydrochloride 250mg for Injection and Diamorphine Hydrochloride 500mg for Injection – 5ml Neutral glass ampoules, PhEur. Type 1. Ampoules are packed into cartons of 5, 10 or 50. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 6.6 Special precautions for disposal The solution should be used immediately after preparation. 7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER Wockhardt UK Limited Ash Road North, Wrexham, LL13 9UF, UK 8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) Diamorphine Hydrochloride 5mg for Injection – PL 29831/0062 Diamorphine Hydrochloride 10mg for Injection – PL 29831/0063 Diamorphine Hydrochloride 30mg for Injection – PL 29831/0064 Diamorphine Hydrochloride 100mg for Injection – PL 29831/0061 Diamorphine Hydrochloride 250mg for Injection – PL 29831/0229 Diamorphine Hydrochloride 500mg for Injection – PL 29831/0060 9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION UK: 27/04/2007 10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT October 2025
103917/8
Customer
Wockhardt UK Limited
Description
DIAMORPHINE AMP COMMON FLAT LEAFLET
Item Code
103917/8
Profile
As per the uploaded annotated pdf
Size
460 x 150mm
Min.Point Size
Other
Market
UK
Language
English
Standard
Pharma Height
7mm Minimum
PRINTING COLOURS
DATE
Warning! We cannot accept responsibility for any errors in this proof after approval. Whilst we take extreme care at all times to ensure accuracy to our client's brief, the final responsibility must be taken by our client. IF YOU SIGN THIS PROOF YOU ARE SIGNIFYING FULL APPROVAL OF DESIGN AND TEXT.
Actual Min Point Size 6pt
316
Barcode Proof By
KJA
Proof No.
1
Date
28.10.2025
TECHNICAL COLOURS Keyline (Non-Printing) Text Free Area (Non-Printing)
16 East Park Road | Leicester | LE5 4QA | UK
APPROVAL SIGNATURE
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Body Text Fonts: Helvetica Neue LT Pro Condensed
Diamorphine Injection
withdrawal effects are kept to a minimum. Withdrawal symptoms such as What Diamorphine Injection contains restlessness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, agitation, anxiety, feeling your The active substance is diamorphine hydrochloride. There are no other heartbeat (palpitations), increased blood pressure, feeling or being sick, ingredients present. diarrhoea, shaking, shivering or sweating may occur if you suddenly stop What Diamorphine Injection looks like and contents of the pack taking this medicine. The injection is a white to off-white, sterile, freeze dried powder for
Diamorphine Hydrochloride 100mg for Injection comes as injection containing 100mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Diamorphine Hydrochloride 100mg for Injection is diamorphine hydrochloride.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Diamorphine Hydrochloride 100mg for Injection, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Diamorphine may be used in the treatment of severe pain associated with surgical procedures, myocardial infarction or pain in the terminally ill and for the relief of dyspnoea in acute pulmonary oedema.
Method of administration
Diamorphine may be given by the intramuscular, intravenous or subcutaneous routes. Glucose intravenous infusion is the preferred diluent, particularly when the drug is administered by a continuous infusion pump over 24 to 48 hours, although it is also compatible with sodium chloride intravenous infusion.
Posology
The dose should be suited to the individual patient.
Adults:
Acute pain, 5mg repeated every four hours if necessary (up to 10mg for heavier, well muscled patients) by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. By slow intravenous injection, one quarter to one half the corresponding intramuscular dose.
Chronic pain, 5-10mg regularly every four hours by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. The dose may be increased according to individual needs.
Myocardial infarction, 5mg by slow intravenous injection (1mg/minute) followed by a further 2.5mg to 5mg if necessary.
Acute pulmonary oedema, 2.5mg to 5mg by slow intravenous injection (1mg/minute).
Children and Elderly:
As diamorphine has a respiratory depressant effect, care should be taken when giving the drug to the very young and the elderly and a lower starting dose than normal is recommended.
Hepatic impairment:
A reduction in dosage should be considered in hepatic impairment.
Renal impairment:
The dosage should be reduced in moderate to severe renal impairment.
Debilitated patients:
A reduction in dosage should be considered in debilitated patients.
For concomitant illnesses/conditions where dose reduction may be appropriate see 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use.
Prior to starting treatment with opioids, a discussion should be held with patients to put in place a strategy for ending treatment with diamorphine hydrochloride in order to minimise the risk of addiction and drug withdrawal syndrome (see section 4.4).
Acute respiratory depression.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Phaeochromocytoma (endogenous release of histamine may stimulate catecholamine release).
Biliary colic (see also biliary tract disorders, 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions).
Coma. Raised intracranial pressure. Head injuries, as there is an increased risk of respiratory depression that may lead to elevation of CSF pressure. The sedation and pupillary changes produced may interfere with accurate monitoring of the patient
Acute alcoholism.
Diamorphine is also contra-indicated where there is a risk of paralytic ileus, or in acute diarrhoeal conditions associated with antibiotic-induced pseudomembranous colitis or diarrhoea caused by poisoning (until the toxic material has been eliminated).
Morphine-like opioids should either be avoided in patients with biliary tract disorders or they should be given with an antispasmodic (use in biliary colic is a contraindication see 4.3 Contraindications).
Diamorphine should be given in reduced doses or with caution to patients with asthma or decreased respiratory reserve (including kyphoscoliosis, emphysema, severe obesity, cor pulmonale). Avoid use during an acute asthma attack (see 4.3 Contraindications).
Use with caution or in reduced doses in patients with toxic psychosis, CNS depression, myxoedema, prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture, severe inflammatory or obstructive bowel disorders, hypotension, shock, convulsive disorders, adrenal insufficiency or debilitated patients.
Care should be exercised in treating the elderly, children or debilitated patients and those with hepatic or renal impairment (see 4.2 Posology for dosage recommendations).
Palliative care - in the control of pain in terminal illness, these conditions should not necessarily be a deterrent to use.
Opioid use disorder (abuse and dependence)
Tolerance, physical and psychological dependence, and opioid use disorder (OUD) may develop upon repeated administration of opioids such as Diamorphine. A higher dose and longer duration of opioid treatment can increase the risk of developing OUD. Abuse or intentional misuse of Diamorphine Injection may result in overdose and/or death. The risk of developing OUD is increased in patients with a personal or a family history (parents or siblings) of substance use disorders (including alcohol use disorder), in current tobacco users or in patients with a personal history of other mental health disorders (e.g. major depression, anxiety and personality disorders).
For patients with signs and symptoms of OUD, consultation with an addiction specialist should be considered.
For all patients, prolonged use of this product may lead to drug dependence (addiction), even at therapeutic doses. The risks are increased in individuals with current or past history of substance misuse disorder (including alcohol misuse) or mental health disorder (e.g., major depression).
Additional support and monitoring may be necessary when prescribing for patients at risk of opioid misuse.
A comprehensive patient history should be taken to document concomitant medications, including over-the-counter medicines and medicines obtained on-line, and past and present medical and psychiatric conditions.
Patients may find that treatment is less effective with chronic use and express a need to increase the dose to obtain the same level of pain control as initially experienced. Patients may also supplement their treatment with additional pain relievers. These could be signs that the patient is developing tolerance. The risks of developing tolerance should be explained to the patient.
Overuse or misuse may result in overdose and/or death. It is important that patients only use medicines that are prescribed for them at the dose they have been prescribed and do not give this medicine to anyone else.
Patients should be closely monitored for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction.
The clinical need for analgesic treatment should be reviewed regularly.
Drug withdrawal syndrome
Prior to starting treatment with any opioids, a discussion should be held with patients to put in place a withdrawal strategy for ending treatment with diamorphine.
Drug withdrawal syndrome may occur upon abrupt cessation of therapy or dose reduction. When a patient no longer requires therapy, it is advisable to taper the dose gradually to minimise symptoms of withdrawal. Tapering from a high dose may take weeks to months.
The opioid drug withdrawal syndrome is characterised by some or all of the following: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhoea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, mydriasis and palpitations. Other symptoms may also develop including irritability, agitation, anxiety, hyperkinesia, tremor, weakness, insomnia, anorexia, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased blood pressure, increased respiratory rate or heart rate.
If women take this drug during pregnancy, there is a risk that their newborn infants will experience neonatal withdrawal syndrome.
Hyperalgesia
Hyperalgesia may be diagnosed if the patient on long-term opioid therapy presents with increased pain. This might be qualitatively and anatomically distinct from pain related to disease progression or to breakthrough pain resulting from development of opioid tolerance. Pain associated with hyperalgesia tends to be more diffuse than the pre-existing pain and less defined in quality. Symptoms of hyperalgesia may resolve with a reduction of opioid dose.
Sleep-related breathing disorders
Opioids can cause sleep-related breathing disorders including central sleep apnoea (CSA) and sleep-related hypoxemia. Opioid use increases the risk of CSA in a dose-dependent fashion. In patients who present with CSA, consider decreasing the total opioid dosage.
Alcohol: Alcohol may enhance the sedative and hypotensive effects of diamorphine.
Anti-arrhythmics: Diamorphine may delay the absorption of mexiletine.
Antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics: Severe CNS excitation or depression (hypertension or hypotension) has been reported with the concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and pethidine. It is therefore possible that a similar interaction may occur with other opioid analgesics - avoid concomitant use and for two weeks after stopping MAOIs.
The depressant effects of diamorphine may be exaggerated and prolonged by tricyclic antidepressants, anxiolytics and hypnotics.
Antivirals: Plasma concentration of opioid analgesics (except methadone) is possibly increased by ritinovir.
Opioids potentiate the effects of CNS depressants including tricyclic antidepressants, anxiolytics and hypnotics.
Antipsychotics: enhanced sedative and hypotensive effect.
Antidiarrhoeal and antiperistaltic agents (such as loperamide and kaolin): concurrent use may increase the risk of severe constipation.
Motility stimulants: There may be antagonism of the gastrointestinal effects of domperidone and metoclopramide.
Cimetidine inhibits metabolism of opioid analgesics.
The concomitant use of Diamorphine with gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin) may result in respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, coma or death.
Concomitant administration of Diamorphine with anticholinergics or medications with anticholinergic activity (e.g. tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, muscle relaxants, anti-Parkinson drugs) may result in increased anticholinergic adverse effects.
Pregnancy
Regular use during pregnancy may cause drug dependence in the foetus, leading to withdrawal symptoms in the neonate.
If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.
Administration during labour may depress respiration in the neonate and an antidote for the child should be readily available.
Breast-feeding
Administration to nursing women is not recommended as diamorphine may be secreted in breast milk and may cause respiratory depression in the infant.
Diamorphine causes drowsiness and mental clouding. If affected patients should not drive or use machines.
This medicine can impair cognitive function and can affect a patient's ability to drive safely. This class of medicine is in the list of drugs included in regulations under 5a of the Road Traffic Act 1988. When prescribing this medicine, patients should be told:
• The medicine is likely to affect your ability to drive
• Do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you
• It is an offence to drive while under the influence of this medicine
• However, you would not be committing an offence (called 'statutory defence') if:
o The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem and
o You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber and in the information provided with the medicine and
o It was not affecting your ability to drive safely
The most serious hazard of therapy is respiratory (see also 4.9 Overdose).
The most common side effects are sedation, nausea and vomiting, constipation and sweating. Tolerance generally develops with long-term use, but not to constipation. Other side effects include the following:
Anaphylaxis: Anaphylactic reactions following intravenous injection have been reported rarely.
Cardiovascular: orthostatic hypotension, facial flushing, palpitations, tachycardia, bradycardia.
Central Nervous System: dizziness, vertigo, mental clouding, confusion (with large doses), hallucinations, headache, mood changes including dysphoria and euphoria.
Gastrointestinal: dry mouth, biliary spasm.
Disorders of the eye: blurred or double vision or other changes in vision, miosis.
Sexual dysfunction: long-term use may lead to a reversible decrease in libido or potency.
Skin: rash, pruritus, urticaria.
Urinary: urinary retention, difficulty with micturition, ureteric spasm, antidiuretic effect. Tolerance develops to the effects of opioids on the bladder.
Psychiatric disorders: drug dependence (see section 4.4).
Drug dependence: Repeated use of Diamorphine can lead to drug dependence, even at therapeutic doses. The risk of drug dependence may vary depending on a patient's individual risk factors, dosage, and duration of opioid treatment (see section 4.4).
General disorders and administration site conditions: drug withdrawal syndrome.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App store.
Patients should be informed of the signs and symptoms of overdose and to ensure that family and friends are also aware of these signs and to seek immediate medical help if they occur.
a) Symptoms
The triad of respiratory depression, coma and constricted pupils is considered indicative of opioid overdosage with dilatation of the pupils occurring as hypoxia develops.
Pulmonary oedema after overdosage is a common cause of fatalities among diamorphine addicts.
Other opioid overdose symptoms include cold, clammy skin, hypotension, bradycardia, circulatory failure, muscle flaccidity, severe weakness, severe nervousness or restlessness, confusion, severe dizziness, severe drowsiness, hallucinations, convulsions (especially in infants and children), rhabdomyolysis progressing to renal failure.
b) Treatment
Respiration and circulation should be maintained and the specific opioid antagonist, naloxone is indicated if coma or bradypnoea are present, using one of the recommended dosage regimens. Oxygen and assisted ventilation should be administered if necessary.
Ask anything about Diamorphine Hydrochloride 100mg for Injection. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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