Why is this medication
prescribed?
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:
- Remove the wrapper.
- Dip the tip of the
suppository in water.
- 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.)
- 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.
- Hold it in place with your
finger for a few moments.
- 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.
Other uses for this medicine
This
medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
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 medicine?
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.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case
of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency
services at 911.
What other information should
I know?
Keep
all appointments with your doctor.
Do not
let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions
you have about refilling your prescription.
