Morphine, rapid release (By mouth)

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule, Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and mix the medicine pellets with a small amount of applesauce, pudding, juice, or water. Swallow the mixture right away, without chewing or crushing the pellets.
• You may take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Drink plenty of water and get plenty of exercise to avoid constipation.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
• Flush all leftover medicine down the toilet after you have finished your treatment. Also flush old medicine after the expiration date has passed. This medicine is one of only a few medicines that should be disposed of this way.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using buprenorphine (Buprenex®), butorphanol (Stadol®), cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), dezocine (Dalgan®), esmolol (Brevibloc®), metformin (Glucophage®, Glucovance®), methohexital (Brevital®), nalbuphine (Nubain®), pentazocine (Talwin®), rifampin (Rifamate®, Rifater®), tramadol (Ultram®), diuretics ("water pills"), phenothiazines (such as Compazine®, Phenergan®, Serentil®, Thorazine®), or an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any other medicine for pain relief, or any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, or sedatives).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have emphysema or other breathing problems, stomach problems or intestinal blockage, low blood pressure, seizures, Addison's disease, liver or kidney disease, pancreatitis, prostate disorders, thyroid disorders, problems with urination, or a history of depression, mental illness, alcoholism, head injury, or brain tumor.
• This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not take more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• This medicine may cause constipation. This is more common if you use it for a long time. Ask your doctor if you should also use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Confusion, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Extreme weakness, shallow breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, cold or clammy skin
• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision
• Feelings of extreme happiness or sadness
• Nausea or vomiting

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Introduction

Morphine (MOR-feen)

Treats moderate to severe pain. Rapid-release morphine is a narcotic that is used for immediate pain relief.

Brand Name(s)

Roxanol

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used