Overdose risk rises with total daily opioid dose. The CDC 2022 guideline advises particular caution at 50 MME/day or more and careful justification around 90 MME/day or more, and recommends offering naloxone. Conversion factors are not equianalgesic doses and must not be used to convert from one opioid to another.
How to use the Morphine Milligram Equivalents Calculator
- Opioid 1
- Total daily dose of opioid 1
- Opioid 2
- Total daily dose of opioid 2
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Choose up to two opioids and enter the total daily dose of each (mcg/h for fentanyl patches).
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Opioid 1 | Choose one: Morphine (oral), Codeine, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone … |
| Total daily dose of opioid 1 | In mg (mcg/h for patches) |
| Opioid 2 | Choose one: Morphine (oral), Codeine, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone … |
| Total daily dose of opioid 2 | In mg (mcg/h for patches) |
Example values
How the main result changes when Total daily dose of opioid 1 changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Total daily dose of opioid 1 (mg (mcg/h for patches)) | Total MME per day (MME/day) |
|---|---|
| 15 | 23 |
| 22.5 | 34 |
| 30 | 45 |
| 37.5 | 56 |
| 45 | 68 |
| 60 | 90 |
Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.
Formula
MME/day = Σ daily dose × conversion factor
CDC factors: codeine 0.15, hydrocodone 1, hydromorphone 5, methadone 4.7, morphine 1, oxycodone 1.5, oxymorphone 3, tapentadol 0.4, tramadol 0.2, fentanyl patch 2.4 (per mcg/h)
Worked example
Inputs — Opioid 1: Oxycodone; Total daily dose of opioid 1: 30 mg (mcg/h for patches); Opioid 2: Morphine (oral); Total daily dose of opioid 2: 0 mg (mcg/h for patches).
Results — Total MME per day = 45 MME/day; Naloxone = Consider offering naloxone if other risk factors.
Key terms
- MME
- Morphine milligram equivalent.
- Naloxone
- Opioid overdose reversal medicine.
Frequently asked questions
What does MME mean?
Morphine milligram equivalents: a standard way to compare opioid doses.
Can I use MME to switch opioids?
No – conversion factors are for risk assessment only; switching needs a clinician.
Why offer naloxone?
It can reverse an opioid overdose and is recommended for people at higher risk.