Medication Information Leaflet

What is this medication for?

This medication is used to treat severe pain. It belongs to a class of drugs known as opioids.

There are a number of different morphine preparations which can be taken by mouth. They include:

• Morphine solution / mixture / syrup.
• Morphine slow release tablets.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Take your medication as prescribed by your healthcare professional, do not stop abruptly.
• Take this medication with or after food.
• The effect of this medication may reduce with time. If you find that this medication does not sufficiently alleviate your pain at the prescribed dose, please consult your healthcare professional.
• Slow release tablets should be swallowed whole and taken at the same time each day.
  
• Measure out the solution/mixture/syrup using a medication spoon or syringe to ensure accuracy.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication. This includes a history of allergy to other related drugs including other opioid drugs such as oxycodone, fentanyl and codeine.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You have a history of fits. This drug may increase the risk of having a fit.
• You have a history of constipation or obstructive bowel disease.
• You have a history of lung disease including asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

What are some common side effects of this medication?

• Morphine may cause constipation, nausea and vomiting.
• This medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness which may impair physical or mental abilities. If affected, please do not drive, operate machinery or perform other tasks which require mental alertness.
• This medication has the potential to cause addiction. If you experience difficulty stopping this medication when it is no longer required, please consult your healthcare professional.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

• This medication may depress your breathing. Seek immediate medical attention should you experience breathing difficulty or problems.
• This medication may cause a drop in blood pressure. Seek immediate medical attention should you experience fainting, dizziness or light-headedness, blurred vision.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

• Morphine can generally be taken with most other foods or medications. However, please inform your healthcare professionals if you are taking other medications or herbal preparations.
• Avoid alcohol. Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects with this medication.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Disclaimer

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
 

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
 

Last reviewed on Jan 2021