Morphine Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects for Pain Relief

Summary of Key Points

Morphine is a prescription opioid used to manage moderate to severe pain by altering how the brain and nervous system perceive pain. It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as cancer, chronic pain, and post-surgical pain. Morphine is available in various forms, including tablets, liquid, and injections. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or adjusting your dose of morphine.

Names of Medication

US Brand Names: MS Contin, Kadian, Duramorph, Infumorph

Generic Name: Morphine

The generic name refers to the official medical name of the active ingredient in the medication. In this case, the generic name is listed in parentheses.

Pharmacologic Category

Morphine belongs to the Opioid Analgesics category, which includes medications such as oxycodone, hydromorphone, and fentanyl.

Morphine Dosage Guidelines

Morphine is used to treat various types of pain, with dosage and frequency tailored to the specific condition. Always consult your doctor before adjusting your dose. You can also schedule an appointment with one of our telemedicine providers for personalized advice.

1. Cancer Pain: 15-30 mg orally every 4 hours as needed. Higher doses may be required for more severe cases.
2. Chronic Pain: 15-30 mg orally every 4 hours as needed. Extended-release formulations may be prescribed for long-term management.
3. Post-Surgical Pain: 10-20 mg orally every 4 hours as needed for short-term use.
4. Palliative Care: 15-30 mg orally every 4 hours as needed. Doses may vary based on individual patient needs.
5. Heart Attack: 2-4 mg IV every 5-15 minutes as needed for pain relief.
6. Severe Injury: 10-30 mg orally every 4 hours as needed for acute pain.
7. Osteoarthritis: 15-30 mg orally every 4 hours as needed. Extended-release formulations may be used for chronic pain management.
8. Fibromyalgia: 15-30 mg orally every 4 hours as needed. Extended-release formulations may be used for long-term pain control.
9. Neuropathic Pain: 15-30 mg orally every 4 hours as needed. Extended-release formulations may be used for chronic management.
10. Terminal Illness: 15-30 mg orally every 4 hours as needed. Doses may vary based on patient needs.

Dosage Forms and Strengths of Morphine

Morphine is available in several dosage forms and strengths to accommodate different medical needs:

1. Oral Tablets: 15 mg, 30 mg
2. Oral Solution: 10 mg/5 mL, 20 mg/5 mL
3. Extended-Release Tablets: 15 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg
4. Injection: 2 mg/mL, 4 mg/mL, 8 mg/mL
5. Suppository: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg

Administration Instructions for Morphine

Morphine should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It can be taken with or without food, although taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset. If using the liquid form, measure the dose carefully with a special measuring device or spoon—do not use a household spoon, as it may not provide the correct dose. Extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or dissolved, as this can release the drug all at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

Contraindications for Morphine Use

Contraindications are specific situations where a medication should not be used because it may be harmful. If you have any of the following conditions, taking Morphine may not be safe. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication, including Morphine.

1. Severe respiratory depression: Morphine can slow breathing. If you have breathing problems, such as severe asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Morphine may worsen your condition.
2. Acute or severe asthma: Morphine can cause bronchospasm, which may worsen asthma symptoms, leading to breathing difficulties.
3. Paralytic ileus: This condition prevents the intestines from moving food through the digestive system. Morphine can further slow intestinal movement, worsening the condition.
4. Hypersensitivity to Morphine: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Morphine, taking it again could cause a life-threatening reaction, such as anaphylaxis.
5. Head injury or increased intracranial pressure: Morphine can increase brain pressure, which is dangerous if you have a head injury or a condition that already causes increased pressure in the skull.
6. Severe liver or kidney disease: Morphine is processed by the liver and kidneys. If these organs are not functioning properly, Morphine can accumulate in your body, leading to dangerous side effects.

Drug Interactions with Morphine

Certain medications can interact with Morphine, increasing the risk of side effects or reducing the effectiveness of one or both drugs. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Below are some common medications that may interact with Morphine:

1. Benzodiazepines: Medications like diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) can increase the risk of severe respiratory depression when taken with Morphine.
2. Other opioids: Taking other opioid medications, such as oxycodone (OxyContin) or hydrocodone (Vicodin), can increase the risk of overdose and respiratory depression.
3. Muscle relaxants: Drugs like cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) or carisoprodol (Soma) can enhance the sedative effects of Morphine, leading to extreme drowsiness or respiratory problems.
4. Antidepressants: Some antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft), can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, when taken with Morphine.
5. Antihistamines: Medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can increase drowsiness and the risk of respiratory depression when combined with Morphine.
6. Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking Morphine can significantly increase the risk of dangerous side effects, including severe drowsiness, respiratory depression, and overdose.

Morphine in Pregnancy

Is it safe to take Morphine when pregnant?

Morphine is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Using Morphine while pregnant can lead to serious complications, including neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), where the baby experiences withdrawal symptoms after birth. Additionally, Morphine may increase the risk of birth defects, particularly if taken during the first trimester. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider to explore safer alternatives for managing pain.

Morphine while Breastfeeding

Is it safe to take Morphine while breastfeeding?

Morphine can pass into breast milk and may cause significant side effects in a nursing infant, such as excessive drowsiness, breathing difficulties, or even life-threatening complications. If you are breastfeeding, it is crucial to discuss the risks and benefits of Morphine with your healthcare provider. In many cases, alternative pain medications may be recommended to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.

Estimated Cost of Morphine Medication

The cost of a 30-day supply of Morphine without insurance can vary depending on the dosage and the pharmacy. With a GoodRx coupon, the estimated price for a 30-day supply of generic Morphine typically ranges from $20 to $50. Prices may fluctuate, so it’s advisable to check with your local pharmacy or use a prescription discount service like GoodRx to find the most affordable option.

Possible Alternatives to Morphine

If Morphine is not suitable for you, there are several alternative treatments available for pain management. These may include other medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. You can also schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers to explore your options.

Alternatives for Specific Conditions

1. Cancer: Non-opioid pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil) may be viable alternatives to Morphine for managing cancer-related pain. In some cases, treatments like nerve blocks or radiation therapy may also help alleviate pain.
2. Chronic pain: Non-opioid medications, physical therapy, acupuncture, or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective alternatives for managing chronic pain.
3. Post-surgical pain: NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or local anesthetics may be used to manage pain after surgery. In some cases, nerve blocks or epidurals may be recommended for more targeted pain relief.
4. Palliative care: Pain management in palliative care may involve non-opioid medications, nerve blocks, or integrative therapies such as massage or acupuncture.
5. Heart attack: For pain relief following a heart attack, medications like nitroglycerin or aspirin may be used. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective pain management.
6. Severe injury: Depending on the type of injury, non-opioid pain relievers, physical therapy, or nerve blocks may be effective alternatives to Morphine.
7. Osteoarthritis: NSAIDs, physical therapy, weight loss, and exercise may help manage osteoarthritis pain. In some cases, joint injections or surgery may be considered.
8. Fibromyalgia: Medications such as pregabalin (Lyrica) or duloxetine (Cymbalta), along with lifestyle changes like regular exercise and stress management, may help alleviate fibromyalgia pain.
9. Neuropathic pain: Anticonvulsants like gabapentin (Neurontin) or antidepressants such as amitriptyline may be effective alternatives for managing neuropathic pain.
10. Terminal illness: Pain management for terminal illness may involve a combination of medications, nerve blocks, and integrative therapies. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure comfort and maintain quality of life.

Recent Updates on Morphine Research

Recent research on Morphine has focused on reducing the risks of opioid addiction and overdose. Studies are exploring extended-release formulations, which may reduce the need for frequent dosing and lower the potential for misuse. Additionally, researchers are investigating non-opioid alternatives for pain management, such as nerve growth factor inhibitors and cannabinoids, which may provide effective pain relief without the risks associated with opioids.

Ongoing studies are also examining the long-term effects of opioid use, including its impact on brain function and the potential for developing tolerance or dependence. If you have concerns about the risks of taking Morphine or are interested in exploring alternative pain management options, consider scheduling a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers to discuss your treatment plan.

James Kingsley

Learn More