World Health Organization (WHO) includes Morphine on its model list of essential medicines. The list expresses the minimum medical requirements for a basic healthcare system.
Morphine is used to treat moderate to severe pain by blocking the transmission of pain signals along nerves to the brain.
When should we take Morphine?
- Pain relief due to heart attack,
- Relief from severe bone and joint pain associated with sickle cell crisis,
- Pain relief before, during and after surgery,
- Pain relief caused by severe injuries,
- Used to sedate a patient as a general anaesthetic, etc
How to take Morphine?
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Take a morphine tablet without food and swallow it whole with a glass of water, especially in the morning and evening.
- Do not chew, split, or crush it.
- Doses: Doses varies with different Brand, Morphabond brand: Take a tablet every 12 hours. Kadian brand: Take a tablet every 12 to 24 hours. Arymo ER brand: Take a tablet every 8 to 12 hours.
⚠ Caution: Do not share your medication with anybody else. Those who take your medication with you, especially children, may be at risk of being harmed or killed by morphine. When someone unintentionally takes this medication, even one dose can result in death.
Side Effects of Morphine
- Headache,
- Mood changes,
- Constipation,
- Nausea,
- Difficulty when urinating,
- Vomiting,
- Sleepiness,
- Dry mouth,
- Sweating,
- Hallucinations,
- Irregular menstruation,
- Chest pain,
- Fever,
- Itching,
- Loss of appetite, etc.
Symptoms of Overdose
- Slow heartbeat,
- Irregular breathing,
- Trouble breathing,
- Nausea,
- Blurred vision, etc.
When Should you consult a doctor before taking Morphine?
- If you are allergic to this medicine,
- If you have or ever have liver problems,
- If you have or ever have kidney problems,
- If you have or ever have urinary problems,
- If you have or ever had Addison’s disease,
- If you have a pancreas disease,
- If you have low blood pressure,
- If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding,
- If you are undergoing any type of surgery,
- If you are an alcoholic.
What happens if I take more or fewer Medicines?
- As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If it’s already too late, you shouldn’t take two doses at once to make up for a missed one because it could be dangerous.
- Call your doctor immediately if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as trouble breathing.
- Do not share your medication with anybody else. When someone unintentionally takes this medication, even one dose can result in death.
Note: If you are taking 1 tablet per day, take the next dose 24 hours after taking the missed dose. If you are taking 2 tablets per day, take the next dose 12 hours after taking the missed dose. If you are taking 3 tablets per day, take the next dose 8 hours after taking the missed dose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I take Morphine during Pregnancy?
Please consult your doctor, if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother. Avoid taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Should I take this medicine during driving?
Since this medicine causes dizziness, drowsiness and fatigue, driving is not safe. Avid driving if you experience vision problems.
Should I take this medicine while consuming alcohol?
Avoid drinking alcohol since it may increase certain side effects such as increased drowsiness.
Should I take Morphine if I have a Kidney problem?
Take this medicine carefully if you have a history of liver problems or disorders. Your doctor might need to modify the dosage.
Should I take Morphine if I have a Liver problem?
Take this medication carefully if you have a history of liver problems or disorders. Your doctor might need to modify the dosage.