Diamorphine

Uses

  • Maintenance treatment for opioid use disorder

Adverse Effects

  • Skin rash
  • Application site pruritus/skin irritation
  • Injection site reaction
  • Drowsiness
  • Seizure

Considerations for PT

  1. Consider timing for pain relief prior to Physiotherapy intervention Consider timing for pain relief prior to Physiotherapy intervention

Route of Administration

  1. Intramuscular (IM)Intramuscular (IM)
  2. Intravenous (IV)Intravenous (IV)

Mechanism of Action

A potent morphine opiate derivative with central nervous system depressant effects. Increases smooth muscle tone and causes release of histamine and catecholamines. Induces profound pain relief by modulating pain pathways, perception of pain, and response to pain.

Drug Dynamics

Time to Peak Effect

30 minutes to 60 minutes

Duration of Action

3 hours to 4 hours

Time to Onset

1 minute to 5 minutes

Resources

*Some links accessed via VCH Intranet

Last updated: April 30, 2026