Micromedex Detailed Drug Information for the Consumer [Internet]. Truven Health Analytics; 1974-2016.

Morphine (Oral route)

MOR-feen

Brand Name(s)

In the US: AVINza, Kadian, Kadian ER, Morphabond, MS Contin, MSIR, Oramorph SR, Roxanol, Roxanol-T

Dosage forms

Capsule, Extended Release Capsule, Extended Release, 24 HR Solution Tablet, Extended Release Capsule Tablet Powder for Suspension, Extended Release Capsule, Delayed Release Syrup

Classifications

Therapeutic: Analgesic; Chemical: Opioid

Warning

Oral route (Solution)

Morphine oral solution is available in 10 mg/5 mL, 20 mg/5 mL and 100 mg/5 mL (20 mg/mL) concentrations. The 100 mg/5 mL (20 mg/mL) concentration is indicated for use in opioid-tolerant patients only. Take care to avoid dosing errors due to confusion between different concentrations and between mg and mL, which could result in accidental overdose and death. Keep morphine oral solution out of the reach of children .

Oral route (Capsule, Extended Release;Tablet, Extended Release)

Morphine sulfate is a Schedule II controlled substance with the potential for opioid addiction, abuse, or misuse which may lead to overdose and death. Assess risk prior to initiation and monitor for signs of misuse, abuse, and addiction during treatment. Serious or fatal respiratory depression may occur, with highest risk at initiation and with dose increases. Monitor for signs of respiratory depression during treatment. Instruct patients to swallow capsules or tablets whole to reduce the risk of accidental overdose when capsules are tablets are chewed, crushed, or dissolved. Accidental ingestion of morphine sulfate can result in fatal overdose of morphine, especially in children. Prolonged use during pregnancy may result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. If prolonged use is required in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk to fetus and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available . Instruct patients to avoid alcohol and alcohol-containing products as consumption of alcohol may result in increased plasma levels and a potentially fatal overdose of morphine .

Uses of This Medicine

Morphine is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). Morphine acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.

Morphine extended-release capsules or tablets should not be used if you need pain medicine for just a short time, such as when recovering from surgery. Do not use this medicine to relieve mild pain, or in situations when non-narcotic medication is effective. This medicine should not be used to treat pain that you only have once in a while or “as needed”.

When morphine is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain. Mental dependence (addiction) is not likely to occur when narcotics are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered: