About morphine sulfate
Opioid pain medicine
Used for
- Relief of severe pain when other treatments are inadequate
- Pain relief during surgery or other medical procedures
Usual adult dose
Usually 2.5–10 mg by injection every 3–4 hours as needed; dose depends on route and individual factors.
Usual dose in children
Dosing is individualized by weight, age, route, and clinical setting; specialist supervision is required.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness, dizziness, or confusion
- Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
- Itching or difficulty passing urine
- Slow or shallow breathing
Important warnings
- Can cause life-threatening breathing problems, especially with alcohol or sedatives.
- Can cause dependence, misuse, and overdose.
- Use carefully in older adults and people with breathing, kidney, or liver problems.
- Injection must be given by trained healthcare professionals.
Pregnancy
May cause newborn breathing problems or withdrawal if used near delivery; use only when clinically necessary.
Breastfeeding
Enters breast milk and may cause infant sleepiness or breathing problems; prolonged use is not recommended.
Interactions
- Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives increase dangerous sleepiness and breathing suppression.
- Other opioids can increase sedation and overdose risk.
- Some medicines affecting serotonin can rarely contribute to serotonin syndrome.
- Buprenorphine and similar medicines may reduce morphine's pain relief.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.