Uses

Indicated for the management of severe pain requiring daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment when alternative options are inadequate. Reserved for patients for whom the benefits outweigh the risks of opioid therapy.

Do not use if

Contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression, acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting, concurrent or recent use (within 14 days) of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and known hypersensitivity to morphine.

Side effects

Common adverse effects include constipation, nausea, vomiting, somnolence, and dizziness. Serious effects include life-threatening respiratory depression, addiction and misuse potential, and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome if used during pregnancy.

Warnings

Carries serious risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Life-threatening respiratory depression may occur, especially at initiation or dose escalation. Accidental ingestion, particularly by children, can be fatal. Concomitant use with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants increases risk of profound sedation and death.

How it works

Morphine is a full mu-opioid receptor agonist. Its principal action is analgesia, with no ceiling effect for pain relief at higher doses. It acts centrally to modulate pain perception and transmission in the CNS.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature, away from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children. Dispose of unused tablets via drug take-back programs.