Morphine

Analgesic

Brand names:

Kadian®, MS Contin®, Oramorph®

Other names:

Arymo ER, Oramorph SR, Roxanol

Often used for:

Pain

About Morphine

Morphine is an opioid medicine used to control pain.

Morphine has fast-acting and long-acting forms. Follow dosing instructions carefully. Families may be asked to keep a record of doses taken so the doctor can prescribe the best possible pain control.

This drug may be habit-forming with long-term use.

May be given as a liquid into a vein by IV

May be taken as a tablet by mouth

May be taken as a capsule by mouth

May be taken as a liquid by mouth

Possible Side Effects

Drowsiness
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Slower than normal rates of breathing
Low blood pressure
Itching and hives
Mood changes (feeling sadder or happier than usual)
Fainting
Problems urinating

Not all patients who take morphine will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Tips for Families

Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.

If patients have any of the side effects listed above, most should decrease after taking morphine for a couple of days. Tell the doctor if the side effects increase while taking this medicine.
If taking this medicine regularly, patients should increase fluid and fiber intake to help prevent constipation. Tell the care team if the patient has not had a bowel movement in 3 to 5 days. Patients may need to take a stool softener or laxative to relieve constipation.
If patients are taking this medicine regularly or for a long time, they should not stop this medicine until the doctor instructs. Stopping morphine without slowly decreasing the dose can lead to diarrhea, headache, sweating, muscle cramps, trouble sleeping, nausea, vomiting, or feeling restless. If these symptoms occur, call the doctor right away. It could mean the dose is being decreased too fast.
Patients should tell their doctor if they are pregnant, attempting to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Morphine at home:

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you see how this medicine affects you.
Take morphine with food if stomach upset occurs.
Do not cut, chew, or crush the long-acting tablets. Swallow them whole.
The contents of the capsule can be sprinkled on a small amount of pudding, applesauce, or other soft food just before taking.
For liquid morphine by mouth, use the measuring device that comes with the medicine. Measure doses carefully.
Store at room temperature. Some formulations may need to be protected from light. Follow instructions from the pharmacy.
Give a missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you have a question about a missed dose.
This drug may be habit-forming with long-term use. Watch for signs of misuse.
Do not share this medicine with anyone or give for reasons other than prescribed.
Do not use the medicine past the expiration date.
Follow instructions for safe storage and disposal.

Learn More About Morphine

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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the-counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.