Morphine (Injection)

Introduction:

Morphine (MOR-feen)

Treats moderate to severe pain. This medicine is a narcotic analgesic.

Brand Name(s):

Infumorph 500, Astramorph PF, Astramorph/PF, Duramorph, Infumorph 200

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. This medicine may be given through a needle (a shot) or a catheter (a small tube). It may be given under your skin, into a muscle, into a vein, or into your back.
  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
  • You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • 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.
  • This medicine may cause constipation. This is more common if you use it for a long time. Ask your doctor if you should also use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

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
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