Morphine (Injection)

Morphine (MOR-feen)

Treats moderate to severe pain. Belongs to a group of drugs called narcotic analgesics.

Brand Name(s):

Astramorph PF, Duramorph
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to morphine or to related narcotic pain-killers. You should not use morphine if you have asthma.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
• An IV is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins.
• An IM injection is a shot given in your muscle (upper arm, thigh, buttocks).
• An SC injection is a shot given just under the skin, usually in the back of your upper arm or the top of your thigh.
• An epidural is a catheter (small tube) that is put in your back and allows medicine to go directly to your spinal fluid.
• This medicine should be given by a person trained to give IV medicine, such as a nurse. Sometimes you, a family member, or friend can be taught to give your morphine.
• To avoid dizziness from this medicine, get up slowly from a sitting or lying position.

If a dose is missed:

• Use your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose.
• If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use your medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store your medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. Throw away any unused medicine if the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (Nardil®, Parnate®, Marplan®, Eldepryl®) within the last 14 days before using morphine.
• Morphine may interact with many other drugs. Be sure your doctor knows of all other medicines you are taking.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while using morphine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Before using this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you have a seizure disorder (epilepsy), asthma, liver, heart, kidney, gallbladder, lung, or inflammatory bowel disease, a bleeding disorder, or an enlarged prostate.
• This medicine may be habit-forming. You should not use more than your doctor ordered, or use it for longer periods of time than prescribed.
• Talk to your doctor before you stop using this medicine. You may need to use smaller and smaller amounts before stopping completely.
• This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Avoid driving or using machinery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Shortness of breath, trouble breathing
• Skin rash, itching, or hives
• Slow heartbeat
• Trouble going to the bathroom (urinating)
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Pain, burning, or swelling where the IV is given

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Sweating

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.