Morphine is a strong painkiller. It is used to relieve severe pain.
Take Morphine 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. Be consistent with your regimen of whether to take it with or without meals. If you experience any stomach discomfort, take it with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how to take this medicine. Different brands of this medicine may be taken differently.
Morphine is available as tablet or capsule (in immediate-release or extended-release form) and as an oral solution.
Do not cut, break, crush, chew or dissolve extended-release formulations. Swallow it whole.
Capsules may be opened. You may sprinkle its contents on an applesauce. Take the mixture right away. To ensure that the beads or pellets had 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 regimen depending on your condition.
Do not stop taking Morphine unless instructed otherwise, as stopping it suddenly could worsen your condition.
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
- bowel or stomach function disorder e.g. blocked bowel
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Morphine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor if you have any of the following:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- severe stomach pain
- heart disease e.g. irregular heartbeat, heart failure, heart attack
- adrenal gland disorder
- thyroid gland disorder
- inflammation of the pancreas
- bile duct problems
- gall bladder problems
- enlarged prostate or difficulty in urinating
- head injury, increased pressure in your head
- mood disorders
- epilepsy (seizures or fits)
- history of drug abuse
- consume large amount of alcohol
- problems related to drug or alcohol withdrawal
- obesity (overweight)
- breathing problems during sleep
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
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 Morphine.
There is a risk that you may become dependent, addicted or reliant to this medicine. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Morphine may cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
You may also feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying down position. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, sweating, stomach pain or discomfort, constipation, nausea, vomiting, difficulty urinating, dry mouth, pinpoint pupils and loss of appetite.
Inform your doctor if you experience constipation, nausea or vomiting as these can be relieved by certain medicines.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:
- difficulty in breathing, slow or shallow breathing
- rashes, swollen mouth or eyes
- extreme drowsiness
- chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat
- changes in your mood, restlessness, confusion
- hallucination (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
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 a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxacid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other strong painkillers e.g. hydrocodone
- medicine to treat TB (infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, zidovudine
- stomach medicine e.g. cimetidine
- medicine for nausea or vomiting e.g. domperidone, metoclopramide
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. propranolol
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 medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.