This article describes morphine extended-release* (ER) oral tablet’s dosage and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for morphine. If you want to know more about morphine ER oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.
Morphine ER oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug MS Contin. Morphine also comes in an oral tablet, liquid solution, injection, and extended-release oral capsule. But those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about those forms, talk with your doctor.
* “Extended release” means the drug is released into your body slowly over a long period of time.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the following risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- risk of misuse and addiction*
- risk of serious breathing problems
- risk of accidental ingestion
- risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
- risk of serious harm if taken with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol
* Misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how it’s prescribed. Addiction means taking a drug even if it’s causing harm. Doctors sometimes refer to misuse and addiction as substance use disorder.
See the end of this article for more information about these warnings.
Form and strengths of morphine
Morphine extended-release oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: a tablet that you swallow
- Strengths: 15 milligrams (mg), 30 mg, 60 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg
“Extended release” means the drug is released into your body slowly over a long period of time.
Dosage of morphine
This article describes the recommended dosage for morphine extended-release (ER) oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of morphine ER oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of morphine in adults
Morphine ER oral tablet is approved to treat severe pain that isn’t managed by other treatments in adults.
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of morphine ER oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of morphine ER oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.
The recommended dosage for pain in milligrams (mg) is:
- Starting dosage: 15 mg every 8–12 hours
- Dosage increases: If needed, your doctor will slowly raise your dosage every 1–2 days.
Dosage adjustments for morphine
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of morphine ER oral tablet based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- other medications you may take
Missed dose of morphine
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of morphine ER oral tablet. They will likely advise you to skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time.
For tips on how to plan your doses of morphine ER oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about morphine extended-release oral tablet and its dosage.
Do older adults need lower dosages of morphine?
They might. For older adults, the drugmaker advises starting with a dosage that’s lower than the recommended dosage. Older adults are people ages 65 years and older.
Compared with younger adults, older adults may clear this medication from their body more slowly. This means the drug can reach higher levels in their body. And that can increase the risk of serious side effects, such as breathing problems. Older adults also may be more sensitive to the drug. Starting morphine extended-release oral tablet at a lower dosage can help avoid these problems.
If you have questions about the right dosage for you, talk with your doctor.
Is morphine taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe morphine extended-release (ER) oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take morphine ER oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
How morphine is taken
You’ll swallow morphine extended-release oral tablet every 8–12 hours. You can take it with or without food.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not cut, break, chew, crush, or dissolve the tablet. Doing so can lead to serious and life threatening side effects. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Morphine coupon
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Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Overdose of morphine
It’s important that you do not take more morphine extended-release oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of morphine overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- shallow and slowed breathing, which is known as respiratory depression
- extreme sleepiness
- cold or clammy skin
- small pupils, which are known as pinpoint pupils
- limp muscles
- fluid in your lungs
- slow heart rate
- low blood pressure
In extreme cases or if untreated, overdose can lead to coma or death.
What to do if you take too much morphine
If you think you’ve taken too much morphine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosage for morphine extended-release (ER) oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of morphine ER oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take morphine ER oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will a higher dosage of morphine extended-release (ER) oral tablet increase my risk of side effects?
- How often will my morphine ER oral tablet dosage be adjusted?
- Will my dosage of morphine ER oral tablet change if I’m taking other drugs with it?
- How long will I take morphine ER oral tablet?
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Get free cardBoxed warnings for morphine
This drug has boxed warnings about the following risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Risk of misuse or addiction. Morphine extended-release (ER) oral tablet has a risk of misuse and addiction. Misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how it’s prescribed. Addiction means taking a drug even if it’s causing harm. Doctors sometimes refer to misuse and addiction as substance use disorder. Addiction can occur even if morphine is taken at the recommended dosage. These risks are greater if you have a personal or family history of substance abuse or mental health conditions.
Because of these risks, morphine is prescribed only through the opioid analgesic risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) program. This program helps ensure morphine is prescribed safely.
Risk of serious breathing problems. Morphine ER oral tablet can cause serious breathing problems, even if it’s taken at the recommended dosage. The risk is highest when you first start taking the medication and when your dosage is increased. Your breathing can get very slow and shallow. If this isn’t recognized and treated, it can be life threatening and lead to death.
Because of this risk, it’s important that you take morphine ER oral tablet exactly as prescribed. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not cut, break, chew, crush, or dissolve them. Doing so can cause the drug to reach high levels in your body. That can increase your risk of life threatening breathing problems.
If you have trouble breathing during treatment with this drug, call 911 to get emergency medical help right away.
Risk of accidental ingestion. If someone accidentally takes even one dose of morphine ER oral tablet, it can cause overdose or death. This risk is especially high for children.
Due to this risk, store morphine in a secure place. Be sure it cannot be seen and accessed by others. This is especially true for children.
Risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Taking morphine ER oral tablet for a long time during pregnancy can cause NOWS. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug on which your body is dependent. Dependence means your body needs the drug to function as usual.) In this case, withdrawal symptoms affect the newborn.
NOWS can be life threatening if it’s not recognized and treated. In some cases, your doctor might prescribe morphine for long periods of time during your pregnancy. If so, your newborn will be monitored closely for symptoms of NOWS.
Risk of serious harm if taken with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol. Taking morphine ER oral tablet along with certain other medications can increase your risk of serious side effects. In particular, these include medications that slow your brain function, which are known as CNS depressants. For example, taking morphine with benzodiazepines, sedatives, or muscle relaxants can lead to serious breathing problems. It can also lead to extreme sleepiness, coma, or even death. This can also occur if you drink alcohol or use illegal drugs while taking morphine.
Due to this risk, doctors typically prescribe this combination of drugs when it’s the best or only option. If you’ll take these medications together, your doctor will prescribe the lowest dosage of each medication. And they’ll prescribe the medications for the shortest amount of time needed.
If you take morphine with any of these substances, watch for the following symptoms. If you experience any or someone notices you are, get emergency medical help right away:
- trouble breathing
- slow or shallow breathing
- extreme sleepiness
- inability to wake up
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these boxed warnings.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.