Morphine is a strong painkiller. It is used to relieve severe pain.
Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how to take this medicine. Different brands of this medicine may be taken differently.
Morphine is available as a tablet or capsule (in immediate-release or extended-release form), and as an oral solution.
If you are taking the extended-release type of formulation (usually labelled as "ER"), swallow it whole. Do not cut, break, crush, chew, or dissolve extended-release formulations.
Capsules may be opened. You can sprinkle its contents on soft food (e.g. apple sauce, custard, ice cream, yoghurt) or into a glass of liquid (e.g. water, orange juice, milk). Take the mixture right away. To ensure that all the beads or pellets have been swallowed, rinse your mouth by drinking a glass of water.
If you are taking an oral solution, use the measuring spoon, cup, or oral syringe provided to measure your prescribed dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Do not stop taking Morphine suddenly as it may worsen your condition. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- lung disease e.g. asthma, airway obstruction
- stomach problems e.g. blocked bowel
- head injury
as Morphine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. irregular heartbeat, heart attack
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- hypovolaemia (low volume of circulating fluids in the body)
- bile duct problems
- inflammation of the pancreas
- adrenal gland disorder e.g. Addison's disease (a rare disorder where the adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of certain hormones)
- thyroid problems
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- mood disorders
- sleep-related problems e.g. sleep apnoea (sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep)
- enlarged prostate
- history of drug abuse
- problems related to drug or alcohol withdrawal
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- obesity (overweight)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Morphine to children, elderly, or debilitated patients.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
There is a risk that you may become dependent, addicted, or reliant to Morphine. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Morphine may cause drowsiness and impair coordination or mental alertness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimize this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, dizziness, nausea, stomach pain or discomfort, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth, loss of appetite, difficulty urinating, pinpoint pupils, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- difficulty of breathing
- rashes, swollen mouth or eyes
- severe low blood pressure
- chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not existent)
- changes in your mood, restlessness, confusion
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Morphine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine to treat depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [infection known as tuberculosis])
- certain antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin
- cimetidine (stomach medicine)
- other strong painkillers e.g. tramadol, oxycodone, fentanyl
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, zidovudine
- medicines for epilepsy fits or seizures e.g. pregabalin, gabapentin, phenobarbital
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. chlorpromazine, fluphenazine
- medicines for nausea or vomiting e.g. metoclopramide, domperidone
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. propranolol, metoprolol
- water pill or medicines for water retention e.g. furosemide, spironolactone
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Morphine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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