Morphine

Morphine is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Morphine is in a class of medications called opioid analgesics. It works by affecting the way the body senses pain.

How should this medicine be used?
Morphine comes as a tablet, a capsule, a liquid, a controlled- or extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and a sustained-release (long-acting) capsule, all to take by mouth. It also comes as a suppository to insert rectally. The regular tablet, regular capsule, liquid, and suppository usually are taken every 4 hours as needed. The controlled- or extended-release tablet is taken every 8-12 hours as needed. The sustained-release capsule is taken once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Swallow the long-acting tablets and capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. You may open the sustained-release capsules and sprinkle the entire contents on a small amount of applesauce immediately before eating. Do not chew, crush, or dissolve the pellets inside the capsules.
Shake the liquid well before measuring a dose. Ask your pharmacist for a specially marked measuring spoon so that you can easily measure a dose of the liquid.
To insert a morphine suppository rectally, follow these steps:
1. Remove the wrapper.
2. Dip the tip of the suppository in water.
3. Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.)
4. Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch for infants and children and 1 inch for an adult.
5. Hold it in place with your finger for a few moments.
6. Stand up after about 15 minutes. Wash your hands thoroughly and resume normal activities.
Take morphine exactly as directed. Morphine can be habit-forming. Do not take more of it, take it more often, or take it for longer than your doctor tells you to.

What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking morphine,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to codeine, morphine, sulfites, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other pain relievers; antidepressants; medications for cough, cold, or allergies; sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, liver, lung, or thyroid disease; alcoholism; prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate); or urinary problems.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking morphine, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking morphine.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What should I do if I forget a dose?
Morphine usually is taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take morphine regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from morphine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• constipation
• stomach pain
• rash
• difficulty urinating
If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
• difficulty breathing
• fainting.

What storage conditions are needed for this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.