Morphine

Morphine is used to treat severe pain, such as pain from an operation, an injury, or cancer.

Morphine usually comes as tablets, capsules or liquid that you swallow (oral solution). Follow the instructions that come with your medicine.

Side effects of morphine include constipation, feeling and being sick, drowsiness, dizziness and confusion. More serious side effects are rare.

Morphine is suitable for most adults and children aged 6 months and over. Always check before taking it because it’s not suitable for everyone.

Taking morphine with other medicines, such as some types of antidepressants, can cause problems. Always check before taking it.

Morphine is a type of painkiller called an opioid. It's used to treat severe pain, such as pain:

• after an operation
• after an injury
• from cancer
• during end of life care (palliative care)

Morphine usually comes as tablets, capsules or liquid that you swallow (oral solution).

It can also be given as an injection or through a thin tube into your vein. But this is usually done in a hospital or hospice.

How much morphine you need to take, and for how long depends on why you’re taking it and the type you're taking.

When taking morphine:

• swallow tablets or capsules whole with a glass of water
• use the syringe or cup that comes with the liquid medicine (oral solution) to help you measure the right dose

There are also some tablets you take in a different way, such as tablets that dissolve on your tongue.

Follow the instructions on the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to make sure you're taking it correctly. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

Talk to your doctor if you have taken morphine for a long time and it’s not relieving your pain as well as it used to, or you struggle with pain in between doses of morphine.

If you miss a dose of morphine

If you forget to take a dose of morphine, take it as soon as you remember. But if more than 4 hours has passed since your dose was due, ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much morphine

Taking an extra dose of morphine can be dangerous.

• you've taken more than your prescribed dose of morphine

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .

If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the morphine packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

If you need to take morphine for a long time, your body can become used to having it.

Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly because you may get withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will gradually reduce your dose over time. Always follow your doctor's advice.

It’s possible to become addicted to morphine. Talk to your doctor if you’re worried about addiction.

Like all medicines, morphine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of morphine include:

• constipation
• feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
• feeling sleepy
• dizziness
• confusion
• headaches
• itchy skin or rash

If you feel dizzy, sleepy or confused after taking morphine, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.

• you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away

They may be able to give you advice about how you can reduce the side effects.

Morphine can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of morphine include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised itchy rash and difficulty breathing
• changes to your vision, such as blurred or double vision
• your breathing slowing down or difficulty breathing
• an unusual heartbeat (palpitations)

• you're taking morphine and think you might be having serious side effects

Most adults and children aged 6 months and over can take morphine.

But morphine is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction to morphine or another opioid painkiller
• you have a condition affecting your liver or heart
• you have a lung condition, such as asthma
• you have ever had an addiction to alcohol, prescription medicines or illegal drugs
• you have a bowel condition such as a blockage (obstruction)
• you have a head injury

Before taking morphine, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and morphine

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Morphine is not usually used while breastfeeding because there’s a chance it could cause side effects in your baby.

A doctor may recommend it if the benefits outweigh the risks, or they may recommend a different painkiller.

If you're taking morphine while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and morphine

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, you become pregnant, or you’re planning a pregnancy while taking morphine.

Morphine is sometimes used during pregnancy if it’s needed. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with morphine.

These include:

• other opioid painkillers, such as codeine and co-codamol
• a type of antidepressant medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
• some medicines for nerve pain, fits and seizures, such as gabapentin
• sedative medicines that help with insomnia and anxiety, such as diazepam
• some medicines to help stomach ulcers and reflux
• some medicines that stop you being sick (vomiting)

Before taking morphine, tell your doctor if you’re taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Taking morphine with illegal drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, or heroine can increase the risk of serious side effects.

Food, drink and alcohol with morphine

It's best not to drink alcohol while taking morphine because it can make you sleepy and increase the risk of serious side effects.