How To Use Morphine

Morphine oral is taken by mouth. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Extended-release morphine tablets (MS Contin) and extended release capsules (Kadian) are taken every 8 to 12 hours as needed for breakthrough pain.

This medicine can be habit-forming. Read the prescription label carefully and take morphine exactly as instructed by your doctor. Do not take a higher or lower dose or take it more or less frequently than prescribed.

If you are taking the oral solution of morphine, be sure to measure the dose using the dosing syringe or cup that came with your medicine. Do not use a household spoon to measure the dose of morphine oral solution.

If you cannot swallow the extended-release capsules (Kadian), you may open a capsule and sprinkle the beads on some applesauce (it should be cold or at room temperature). Make sure you swallow all the mixture without crushing or chewing the beads. Afterward, rinse your mouth and swallow the water to ensure you have taken all the medication. Do not mix the beads with other foods or store the mixture for later use. 

If you are taking the morphine extended-release tablets (MS Contin, Arymo ER), swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Make sure you swallow the tablet right away. Do not lick or wet or soak the extended-release tablets before putting them in your mouth.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of morphine and increase the dose if your pain is not controlled. They may adjust your morphine dose from time to time if you are on long-term opioid treatment. Do not change the dose of morphine without talking to your healthcare provider. Also, do not stop taking morphine without talking to your doctor first. Suddenly stopping morphine can lead to life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will gradually reduce your morphine dose.

Missed dose: Morphine sulfate is usually taken as needed for breakthrough pain. If you are taking morphine on a scheduled basis and forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store morphine at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container. Do not store medications in the bathroom, where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets. An accidental overdose of morphine sulfate can be fatal, especially in children.

Unused medicine: Unused or expired morphine should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw morphine in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded morphine is through your local waste disposal company or a medicine take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on morphine. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about morphine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.

Discounted prices for morphine (MS Contin)
 start at $13.86.

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