Morphine, Oral/Rectal

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: narcotic analgesic (painkiller)

Generic and brand names: morphine sulfate, oral; morphine sulfate, rectal; Kadian; MS Contin; MSIR; Oramorph SR; RMS Suppositories; Roxanol; Roxanol 100; Roxanol Suppositories; Roxanol T

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is a narcotic analgesic.

It is used to relieve pain.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

If you have had a severe allergic reaction (hives, itching, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing) to any narcotic (codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, dihydrocodeine), tell your health care provider before taking this medicine. If you develop an allergic reaction while taking this medicine, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.

Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while you are taking this medicine, stop taking it and contact your health care provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this without your health care provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Take this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Take it only for the condition for which it was prescribed. Do not take more of it or take it longer than prescribed. Taking too much of this medicine may be habit-forming or may lead to overdose.

Wash your hands before using this medicine. If you have the rectal suppository form of this medicine, remove the foil wrapper and moisten the suppository with water. If the suppository is too soft to insert, run cold water over it or put it in ice water until it is firm. If it is too dry or hard, moisten it with warm water. Lie on your left side and bend your right knee up toward your chest. Gently push the suppository into your rectum so it is deep enough not to come out.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

You may need to take this medicine for a long time. If you need to take this medicine for more than a few days, do not stop taking it suddenly. You may have to reduce your dosage gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Follow your health care provider's instructions.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the health care provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine. The effects of alcohol are increased by this medicine and can be dangerous. Also, do not take antihistamines, antianxiety medicines, or sedatives without your health care provider's approval.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

Important notice: Taking an overdose of this medicine can cause very serious problems. If you think you have taken an overdose, get medical care right away.

This medicine is a controlled substance. It is illegal for you to give it to anyone else.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you are unable to reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing, swelling of your lips, tongue or throat).

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Depression, hallucinations, ringing in your ears, rash, trembling, loss of concentration, pounding heartbeat.

Other: Dizziness, drowsiness, faintness, nausea, vomiting, constipation.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• amitriptyline (Elavil)
• antianxiety medicines such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and oxazepam (Serax)
• antipsychotic medicines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), haloperidol (Haldol), clozapine (Clozaril), and olanzapine (Zyprexa)
• barbiturates such as phenobarbital, butabarbital (Butisol), amobarbital (Amytal), secobarbital (Seconal), and pentobarbital (Nembutal)
• blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB 200)
• fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• glutethimide (Doriden)
• MAO inhibitor antidepressants such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and isocarboxazid (Marplan) (Do not take this medicine and an MAO inhibitor within 14 days of each other.)
• methocarbamol (Robaxin)
• nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor)
• other central nervous system depressants such as sedatives and antihistamines (check with your health care provider)
• other narcotic analgesics (check with your health care provider)

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.