How does it work?

Diamorphine hydrochloride belongs to a group of medicines called opioids. Opioids mimic the effects of naturally occurring pain reducing chemicals (endorphins). They combine with the opioid receptors in the brain and block the transmission of pain signals. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt. This group of medicines is commonly used to relieve the pain of heart attack, injury, surgery and cancers.

What is it used for?

Fluid accumulation in the air-filled sacs of the lungs (pulmonary oedema)

Severe pain

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

Use with caution in

Asthma

Breathing problems

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Diarrhoea

Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)

Elderly people

Enlarged prostate gland

Epilepsy

Head injury

Hypothyroidism

Increased pressure in the brain (raised intracranial pressure)

Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

Insufficient production of natural steroid hormones by the adrenal glands (adrenal insufficiency)

Intoxication induced by the rapid ingestion of alcoholic drinks (acute alcoholism)

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Psychosis due to drugs or alcohol

Reduced awareness, slow reactions or drowsiness due to medicines or illness that reduce activity in the central nervous system

Symptom of hypothyroidism characterised by dry, hard swelling of the skin

Not to be used in

Biliary and renal tract spasm

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Head injury

People who have taken monoamine-oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (MAOIs) in the last 14 days

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

Tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)

Dry mouth

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Changes in mood

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

Confusion

Sweating

Addiction to the medicine (dependence)

Skin rashes

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

False perceptions of things that are not really there (hallucinations)

Dizziness

Alteration in taste

Loss of appetite

Fainting

Decreased sex drive

Increased heart rate (tachycardia)

Constipation

Drowsiness

Nausea and vomiting

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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