Morphine (Rectal)

Introduction

Morphine (MOR-feen)

Treats severe pain. This medicine is a narcotic pain reliever.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to morphine, or if you have uncontrolled asthma or heart failure caused by lung disease. You should not use this medicine if you have heart rhythm problems, a brain tumor, a head injury, or seizures. Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days. Do not use this medicine if you drink large amounts of alcohol.

How to Use This Medicine

Suppository, Long Acting Suppository

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Never take rectal suppositories by mouth.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Remove the foil or wrapper from the suppository before inserting it.
• To make the suppository easier to insert, you may use a lubricating gel such as K-Y® Jelly, but do not use petroleum jelly (Vaseline®).
• Lie on your left side with your left leg straight or slightly bent, and your right knee bent upward. Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum about 1 inch.
• Keep lying down for about 15 minutes to keep the suppository from coming out before it melts. Then, wash your hands again.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• You may store the suppositories in the refrigerator, but do not freeze them.
• 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. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of the used medicine applicator and container.
• 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 methocarbamol (Robaxin®), furazolidone (Furoxone®), or an MAO inhibitor. Tell your doctor if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or a beta-blocker such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Inderal®, Toprol® Lopressor®.
• Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have a lung disorder such as asthma or emphysema, or a history of head injury or seizures. Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, kidney disease, heart rhythm problems, or a thyroid disorder. Your doctor should know if you have Addison's disease, stomach problems, prostate problems, a history of alcoholism, or problems with urination.
• 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.
• It may be helpful to lie down and rest as much as possible while you are using this medicine. When you first start using the medicine, you may feel like sleeping for several hours each day.
• This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use 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 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:

• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Shallow breathing.

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

• Blurred vision.
• Dry mouth, loss of appetite.
• Headache.
• Mild skin rash or itching.
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, sweating.
• Problems with balance or walking.
• Sleepiness, feeling disoriented.

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