Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Morphine
Other Names: MS Contin Extended-Release Tablets, Morphine Controlled-Release Tablets, Morphine Sulfate Extended-Release Tablets, Oramorph SR Sustained-Release Tablets
Drug Class: Narcotic Analgesics
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Morphine Controlled-Release Tablets? (Back to top)
MORPHINE is a pain reliever. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain that lasts for more than a few days. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• brain tumor
• drug abuse or addiction
• head injury
• heart disease
• if you frequently drink alcohol-containing drinks
• intestinal disease
• kidney disease or problems urinating
• kyphoscoliosis
• liver disease
• lung disease, asthma, or breathing problems
• seizures
• taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, or selegiline in the past 2 weeks
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lactose, morphine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew the medicine. Do not take a tablet that is not whole. A broken or crushed tablet can be very dangerous. You may get too much medicine. If the medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take more medicine than you are told to take.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• alcohol
• antihistamines
• barbiturates, like phenobarbital
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for pain
• medicines for sleep
• muscle relaxants
• naltrexone, naloxone
• other narcotic medicines
• rifampin
  

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• change in the amount of urine
• confusion
• fever, chills
• hallucinations
• feeling faint or lightheaded
• red or sore at the injection site
• seizures
• slow or fast heartbeat

• constipation
• dizzy, drowsy
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• pinpoint pupils
• sweating
  

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. You may develop tolerance to the medicine. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medicine for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take this medicine for a long time.

Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

You may get drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking the medicine or change doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that may be dangerous until you know how the medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly.

This medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.

Your mouth may get dry. Drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, or sucking on hard candy may help. See your dentist every 6 months.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and is against the law.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Flush any unused medicine down the toilet. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:March 28, 2007

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