Opioid conversion

PANG have an Opioid dose calculator which you can use to work out the equivalent dose of an alternative opioid (e.g. if switching from oral Morphine to a Fentanyl patch or Oxycodone).

Common reasons for switching:

  • Current opioid not helping the pain
  • Current opioid causing toxic symptoms (hallucinations, twitching, sedation)
  • Need an alternative route eg a patch because of vomiting or poor swallow

ALWAYS check a conversion dose with a colleague, especially if unfamiliar with opioids

This Opioid dose conversion chart is from Royal United Hospitals Bath:

mceu-9396821611698919002233.png

West Midlands CARES site has in depth advice about switching opioids and caveats to looks out for including renal function, age, dose, weight etc.

Recommended Resources

West midlands palliative care - Relative doses of opioids

Published 1st August 2018

PANG - Opioid Dose Calculator

Published 9th November 2023

Royal United Hospitals Bath - Opioid Conversion Chart

Published 1st January 2019

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