Question:
Has anyone had an epidural that was allergic to morphine?
I went and met with the anestesiologist and was told that I could have an epidural even though I have an allergic reaction to morphine and demerol. He said that the kind of reaction I have (local) is caused by histamines and that the spine can't give off histamines so I will be fine. I'm scared I don't want to have a reaction while in surgery. Thanks, Nancy — Nancy S. (posted on June 20, 2003)
June 20, 2003
I am allergic to morphine, and was going to suggest demerol - but see that
you also have a reaction to that. With my first c-section I had morphine
in an epidural and it was HORRIBLE. For my gall bladder removal, they used
demerol and it was ok. For my second c-section I don't even know what they
used, but they were aware of the morphine problem and must have used
something else because I was fine.. Actually that time I had a spinal and
not an epidural - so maybe that had something to do with it. I'm still
pre-op and haven't had to deal with this question yet. What is your
reaction like? Mine is itchiness and shakes. That apparently is bad, but
not the reaction they really worry about as life threatening. I don't
know what to advise you, but if the surgeon/anestesiologist are confident
that you will be OK, and you feel like you've discussed it with them and
they understand, that might alleviate some of your concerns. Hugs! Good
luck! Hopefully someone will have some more info for you.
— w8free
June 20, 2003
Being a nurse, I can tell you that MOST of the time, Fentenyl is the drug
commonly used in epidurals.
— Delores S.
June 21, 2003
A reaction of hives, itching, redness and/or minor skin swelling to
Morphine or Demerol (or other opiates for that matter) is not an allergy.
Its a reaction to the opioid on mast cells and can usually be controlled by
antihistamines like Benadryl until the symptoms subside. The reaction is
usually only temporary with the use of the antihistamines the first week or
less of opioid use. I had serious itching and redness when I was on
morphine for a couple of weeks 2 years ago and I took Benadryl for about 4
or 5 days and had no problems after that. Every time i've had to take a
morpine for pain since then (about 1 tablet every 2 months or so) I got
minor itching and every time it has been less and less. When I saw an
anesthesiologist pre-op and mentioned this she said they'd give me an
epidural with Demerol instead which scared me because I've never had
demerol and I worried about what reaction I might have to it. I discussed
my concerns with the anesthesiologist (a different one) right before my
surgery, she agreed and went ahead with the initial plan for morphine with
added benadryl to prevent any reaction. It worked like a charm, I was
virtually pain-free throughout my recovery and had no problems with itching
etc. I've had morphine again on and off (every couple of months a tablet
for cramps) and now I have no reaction at all..no need for benadryl. My
body has simply adjusted.
— Jen L.
June 21, 2003
Delores - I think that the selection of the drug for the epi depends on the
surgeon and the hospital. At the Hospital of the University of
Pennsylvania, morphine is the drug of choice...JR
— John Rushton
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