The discovery of morphine, which occurred in 1803, transformed the medical treatment of pain and chronic diseases (Levinthal, 2005). Morphine, a narcotic or opioid, is widely used in the medical field today and is specifically used therapeutically to treat moderate to severe pain in individuals. The most common routes of administration of morphine are oral and intravenous administration (Angel, Gould, Carey, 1998). Morphine works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and thereby reduces the perception of pain and emotional responses to pain (Weil and Winifred, 2004). The article will focus on the therapeutic uses of morphine in individuals. Morphine is used to treat pain in people with cancer and acute myocardial infarction. Morphine is also given to patients after surgery to reduce pain and is even thought to reduce the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (Busse, 2006; Herlitz, Hjalmarson, & Waagstein, 1989; Levin, 2010). ). Administering Morphine to Cancer Patients According to the World Health Organization, cancer pain can be effectively controlled with oral morphine in up to 90% of people with cancer (Ahmed, et al. 2010). Cancer patients benefit significantly from the effects of morphine on severe or chronic pain (Weil and Winifred 2004). A common treatment plan for cancer patients is to follow the “analgesic ladder” approach. The first step in this approach is to administer a non-opioid analgesic, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (Hanks et al., 1996). Second, an opioid is given to the individual for a week. Once the weak opioid proves inadequate, the third step is followed and a strong opioid is administered. ...... middle of paper ...... efferent tic discharge. (Zelis et al., 1974). The capacity of the peripheral vascular bed is increased and systemic venous return is reduced (Vasko, 1966). “Medical phlebotomy” is a term commonly used to describe the effects of morphine on pulmonary edema (Vismara, Leaman, & Zelis, 1976). Unfortunately, morphine can have side effects that can lead to central nervous system and ventilator suppression. failure. Additionally, morphine may worsen bradycardia, hypotension, and in small cases, respiratory depression. Naloxone is given to patients to help reverse these negative effects of morphine. With high doses of morphine, nausea and vomiting are potential side effects and can be treated with a phenothiazine. For these reasons, morphine continues to be investigated for the treatment of pulmonary edema (Cotter, et al.., 2001).