Severe Pain Management in Ebola Virus Disease
Clinical scenario
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe acute viral hemorrhagic illness. Alongside other intensive supportive measures, adequate control of severe pain is a recognised priority in the care of affected patients.
Treatment approach
An opioid analgesic is indicated for severe pain in this setting, with the oral route preferred when tolerated. Only immediate-release formulations are used for acute pain. The full protocol specifies route selection, paediatric and adult considerations, and monitoring requirements.
Complete regimen, dosing guidance, and decision algorithm available in the full protocol below.
References
- Adults: oral dose is 10 mg every 4 hours as needed, maximum dose is 60 mg/day.
- IV dose is 1–4 mg SQ/IV every 4 hours as needed – monitor SBP and RR prior to administration of morphine (hold for low SBP or respiratory rate).
- Children: oral dose is 0.2–0.4 mg/kg/dose every 4 hours.
- IV dose is 0.05–0.1 mg/kg/dose every 4–6 hours as required.
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