Morphine, Morphine ER, Ms Contin

Morphine (MOR feen) is a generic medication prescribed for severe pain in adults and some children. Morphine belongs to a group of drugs called opioids.

Medically reviewed by Melissa Badowski, PharmD, MPH, FCCP on May 30, 2023
Written by Amber Watson, PharmD

Introduction

This article describes morphine’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of morphine.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of morphine. To find out more about morphine immediate-release (IR)* oral tablet, see this article.

* IR means the drug is immediately released into your body.

Boxed warnings

Morphine has boxed warnings about the following risks. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

• misuse and addiction with all forms of morphine (oral solution, liquid solution for injection, IR oral tablet, extended-release [ER]* oral tablet, and ER oral capsule)
• serious breathing problems with all forms of morphine
• overdose from accidental ingestion of morphine oral solution, oral tablet, ER oral tablet, and ER oral capsule
• neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome with all forms of morphine
• serious harm if taken with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol, with all forms of morphine
• medication errors with morphine oral solution

For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for morphine” section below.

* ER means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.

Side effects of morphine

Morphine may cause mild or serious side effects (also known as adverse effects). More common mild side effects of morphine and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about morphine’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for morphine.

* To view morphine’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of morphine are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of morphine you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about morphine’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for morphine.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Morphine’s mild side effects include:

• constipation
• dizziness
• nausea
• sleepiness
• mild allergic reaction†

* To view morphine’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for morphine” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of morphine are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of morphine you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about morphine’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for morphine.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, morphine’s serious side effects include:

• adrenal insufficiency (inability of your adrenal glands to produce certain hormones)
• heart problems, such as atypical heart rhythm and heart palpitations
• severely low blood pressure
• seizures
• mood changes, such as feeling anxious, sad, or euphoric (intensely excited or happy)
• problems with urination, such as difficulty starting urination or difficulty emptying your bladder
• sexual side effects, such as low sex drive
• boxed warnings: risk of misuse and addiction, serious breathing problems, overdose from accidental ingestion, neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, serious harm if taken with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system depressants (including alcohol), and medication errors†
• severe allergic reaction†

* To view morphine’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for morphine” section below.

Common questions about morphine

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about morphine.

Is morphine similar to other drugs prescribed for pain, such as hydromorphone (Dilaudid)?

Yes, in some ways. Morphine has a few similarities and differences from other drugs prescribed for pain.

For example, morphine and other opioids are prescribed to treat pain that isn’t relieved by non-opioids. Many opioids have similar side effects and boxed warnings.* But they come in multiple forms.

Examples of other opioids include:

• codeine
• fentanyl (Actiq, Fentora, Sublimaze)
• oxycodone (Oxaydo, Oxycontin, Xtampza ER)
• hydromorphone (Dilaudid)

Morphine has some differences from non-opioids taken for pain, such as the drug’s forms and side effects. Examples of non-opioids prescribed for pain include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB).

To learn more about how morphine compares with other drugs prescribed for pain, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for morphine” section below.

How does morphine work? And how long does it take to start working?

Morphine is an opioid. It works by blocking the pain receptors (attachment sites) found on nerve cells present in various areas of your body, including your brain and spinal cord. In doing so, morphine blocks pain signals traveling between your brain and the rest of your body. This causes you to feel less pain.

How long it takes morphine to start working can vary depending on the form you’re prescribed. In general, morphine provides pain relief within 30 minutes to 1 hour after you take it.

Certain factors will determine how long the effects of morphine will last. These include the form of morphine you’re prescribed and the drug’s half-life. (Half-life is an estimate of how long it takes half of a drug’s dose to leave your body.)

The half-life of morphine oral solution, liquid solution for injection, and immediate-release (IR)* oral tablet is about 2–4 hours. These forms of morphine generally provide pain relief for up to 4 hours after each dose.

The half-life of morphine extended-release (ER)* oral tablet and ER oral capsule is about 11–15 hours. These forms of morphine generally provide pain relief for up to 12 hours after each dose.

If you have questions about what to expect while taking morphine, talk with your doctor.

* IR means the drug is immediately released into your body.
† ER means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.

Is it safe to take morphine with kaolin?

Unless your doctor advises you to do so, it may not be safe to take morphine with kaolin. (Kaolin is a mineral that can be taken to ease diarrhea.) Taking morphine with kaolin could worsen constipation as a side effect of morphine.

A liquid mixture of morphine and kaolin is available without a prescription in certain countries. It’s taken to treat diarrhea. But this mixture isn’t available in the United States.

If you have questions about the safety of morphine and kaolin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can morphine be prescribed for end-of-life treatment or cancer?

Yes, morphine can be prescribed for pain related to end-of-life treatment or cancer. The drug is prescribed to help manage pain that’s severe enough to need an opioid medication. This may include end-of-life pain or cancer pain.

Doctors may also prescribe morphine off-label to ease shortness of breath during end-of-life treatment. This means doctors may prescribe the drug for this condition even though it’s not approved to treat it.

If you have questions about morphine’s use for end-of-life treatment or cancer, talk with your doctor.

Are withdrawal symptoms possible with morphine?

Yes, withdrawal symptoms are possible after suddenly stopping morphine. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function as usual.)

You may have an increased risk of withdrawal after stopping morphine if you’ve taken the drug at high doses or for a long time.

Symptoms of withdrawal from morphine may include:

• restlessness
• runny nose or watery eyes
• sweating or chills
• mood changes, such as anxiety, irritability, or having suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Be sure to talk with your doctor before stopping morphine. If they agree it’s safe to stop taking the drug, your doctor may slowly lower your morphine dosage over time. Doing so could help to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

• Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
• Listen to the person without judgment.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
• Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
• Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.

What brand names are available for morphine?

Morphine oral solution, IR oral tablet, and ER oral capsule are not currently available in any brand-name forms. Duramorph PF, Infumorph, and Mitigo are the brand names of morphine liquid solution for injection. MS Contin is the brand name for morphine ER oral tablet.

Talk with your doctor if you would like more information about the brand-name versions of certain morphine forms.

Dosage of morphine

The dosage of morphine your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should take.

Taking or receiving morphine

Morphine oral solution, immediate-release (IR)* oral tablet, extended-release (ER)† oral tablet, and ER oral capsule are swallowed. You can take these forms of morphine with or without food. But your doctor may advise taking them with food to help prevent digestive side effects, such as nausea.

Your doctor will talk with you about how to take any of these oral forms of morphine. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.

Morphine liquid solution for injection is given by a healthcare professional as an intravenous (IV) injection (an injection into a vein). Your doctor will explain how the drug will be given to you and where you’ll receive it. They’ll also tell you how much you’ll receive and how often.

* IR means the drug is immediately released into your body.
† ER means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.

Overdose of morphine

You should not take more morphine than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.

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 concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Uses of morphine

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as morphine for certain conditions. Approved uses for morphine are described below.

Use for pain

Doctors may prescribe morphine for treating pain. Morphine oral solution, liquid solution for injection, immediate-release (IR)* oral tablet, extended-release (ER)† oral tablet, and ER oral capsule are prescribed for this purpose in adults. Morphine oral solution is also prescribed for this purpose in children ages 2 years and older.

Morphine may be prescribed for long-term or short-term pain relief.

With pain, you may feel a stabbing, pinching, burning, or throbbing sensation around the affected area. For some people, pain may start suddenly and last for a short time. For others, pain may last for a long time or occur in repeated cycles over months or years.

Due to the risk of misuse and addiction‡ with morphine, doctors may only prescribe the drug in certain situations. These include:

• when pain is too severe to be relieved by other medications, including non-opioids such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• when other pain medications cannot be used

* IR means the drug is immediately released into your body.
† ER means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
‡ Morphine has a boxed warning about this risk. For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for morphine” section below.

Interactions and warnings for morphine

Below, you’ll find information about morphine’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of morphine

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take or receive morphine, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription drugs
• over-the-counter medications
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for morphine” section below.

Warnings for morphine

Some people should not take morphine, and others should take it cautiously.

Boxed warnings

Morphine has boxed warnings about the following risks. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

To learn more about these warnings, read below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Risk of misuse and addiction. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. With addiction, a drug is used even if it’s causing harmful outcomes. These side effects were not reported in studies* of morphine. But misuse and addiction are known risks of opioids. (Morphine is an opioid.)

Due to these risks, morphine oral solution, immediate-release (IR)† oral tablet, extended-release (ER)‡ oral tablet, and ER oral capsule are only prescribed through the opioid analgesic risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) program. The FDA creates REMS programs to make sure certain medications are prescribed safely.

If you have concerns about misuse and addiction with morphine, tell your doctor. They’ll likely assess your risk and make sure the drug is safe to take. Your doctor may recommend a different treatment option if you or a family member have a substance use disorder or other mental health condition. These factors may increase your risk of misuse and addiction with morphine.

Risk of serious breathing problems. With serious breathing problems, you may have slow or shallow breathing. This side effect was not common in studies* of morphine. But serious breathing problems are a known risk of opioids, including morphine.

Symptoms of serious breathing problems may include:

• shortness of breath
• atypical breathing sounds, such as a crackling or whistling sound while breathing
• discolored skin, especially on the fingers and toes

Certain medications and health conditions may increase your risk of breathing problems with morphine. Your doctor can advise you on your risk of this side effect and make sure the drug is safe to take.

If you have serious breathing problems with morphine, contact 911 or a local emergency number right away.

While you’re waiting for emergency services to arrive, a caregiver or bystander can give you doses of naloxone (Narcan, Kloxxado, Zimhi) if on hand. Your doctor may prescribe this drug with morphine to help treat serious breathing problems. Naloxone is also available without a prescription at some pharmacies. To learn more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Risk of overdose from accidental ingestion. Taking morphine accidentally may cause overdose, especially in children. This could lead to life threatening symptoms such as serious breathing problems. (For more information about this symptom, see “Risk of serious breathing problems” above.)

Due to this risk, it’s important to store morphine in a place that children cannot access.

To learn more about morphine overdose, see the “Dosage of morphine” section above. Your doctor or pharmacist can also tell you more about morphine overdose.

Risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. To learn more about this risk, see the “Pregnancy or breastfeeding and morphine” section below.

Risk of serious harm if taken with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol. Taking morphine with a CNS depressant may cause severe side effects. Examples of CNS depressants include alcohol and benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan, Loreev XR).

Severe side effects may include serious breathing problems, extreme sleepiness, and coma. In extreme cases, these side effects could be life threatening. These side effects were not reported in studies* of morphine. But this is a known risk when opioids such as morphine are taken with CNS depressants.

If you take a CNS depressant or drink alcohol, tell your doctor before taking morphine. They may recommend a treatment other than morphine for your pain.

If your doctor prescribes morphine with a CNS depressant, they’ll have you watch for serious breathing problems and sleepiness. Tell your doctor right away if you have these symptoms. But if they seem life threatening, contact 911 or a local emergency number right away.

Your doctor may prescribe naloxone (Narcan, Kloxxado, Zimhi) to treat serious breathing problems that could happen while taking morphine with a CNS depressant. Naloxone is also available without a prescription at some pharmacies. To learn more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Risk of medication errors. Taking a higher dosage of morphine than prescribed could lead to serious and life threatening side effects. The risk of dosing errors is especially high with morphine oral solution.

Due to this risk, it’s important to avoid use of household teaspoons, tablespoons, or other measuring devices with morphine oral solution. When measuring out doses of morphine oral solution, be sure to use only the dosing cup provided by the drug’s manufacturer.

If you have concerns about medication errors with morphine oral solution, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They’ll show you how to correctly measure doses of this drug.

* These studies are discussed in morphine’s prescribing information. To view morphine’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† IR means the drug is immediately released into your body.
‡ ER means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.

Other warnings

Morphine could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether morphine is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of morphine you take.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for morphine, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Morphine can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to morphine or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe morphine. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to morphine, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and morphine

Information about morphine and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Morphine and pregnancy

There are risks to taking morphine during pregnancy, including the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) in a newborn. (For more information, see “Risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome” just below.)

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about treatment options for pain during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether you should take morphine during pregnancy.

Risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome

Morphine has a boxed warning about the risk of NOWS. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the FDA.

Taking morphine for a long period of time during pregnancy can lead to NOWS, which causes withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Withdrawal refers to side effects that can happen when the newborn stops receiving a drug their body has gotten used to. This side effect was not reported in studies* of morphine. But NOWS is a known risk when opioids such as morphine are taken during pregnancy.

Withdrawal from opioids can be life threatening in a newborn. Symptoms in a newborn may include diarrhea, vomiting, shaking, irritability, high-pitched crying, and difficulty gaining weight.

If you have concerns about NOWS, talk with your doctor. They may switch you to a non-opioid treatment for pain during pregnancy.

Morphine and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether morphine should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Morphine coupon

You may be able to save money on your prescription for morphine by using our Optum Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.

If you have questions about how to pay for morphine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes morphine’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about morphine or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How long can I take morphine for pain?
• Which form of morphine is the best treatment option for my pain?
• Does my age affect my risk of side effects with morphine?

Article resources

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Morphine sulfate extended-release capsules, for oral use, CII. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/9c1a5b8b-8faa-4ee0-80bd-853c239bb1c4/spl-doc
• Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets, for oral use, CII. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/533034fd-c8e7-495b-8874-0db41bd1e65a/spl-doc
• Morphine sulfate injection, preservative-free, solution for intravenous use, CII. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/be420e8b-bcb0-49b5-bb4d-1df8b9959809/spl-doc
• Morphine sulfate oral solution, for oral use CII. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/6e32b869-31c7-48c1-98ae-b21bd28151d7/spl-doc
• Morphine sulfate tablets, for oral use CII. (2021). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/d1b0b4ac-69d9-44bf-b7a3-229bd89b9fd6/spl-doc

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.