What is a common adverse effect of morphine?

What is a common adverse effect of morphine?

• A. Hypertension.
• B. Constipation.
• C. Dizziness.
• D. Diarrhea.

Answer: (B)

Opioids slow the gut. Morphine activates mu receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which reduces intestinal motility and increases water absorption. This slows transit and dries the stool, making constipation a very common and expected adverse effect. Because this effect is so predictable, it’s the hallmark concern with morphine therapy and often requires proactive bowel management, such as stool softeners or laxatives started early. Dizziness can occur but is less universal, and diarrhea is not typical—opioids tend to cause constipation, not loose stools.

Opioids slow the gut. Morphine activates mu receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which reduces intestinal motility and increases water absorption. This slows transit and dries the stool, making constipation a very common and expected adverse effect. Because this effect is so predictable, it’s the hallmark concern with morphine therapy and often requires proactive bowel management, such as stool softeners or laxatives started early. Dizziness can occur but is less universal, and diarrhea is not typical—opioids tend to cause constipation, not loose stools.