Morphine Sulfate
Pronunciation: (MOR-feen).
- Generic name
- Morphine sulfate
- Brand names
- Arymo ER, Duramorph, Morcontin, MOS, Oramorph, Statex
- Drug class
- Opioid analgesic
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Morphine sulfate is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Morphine sulfate works
Morphine is a pure opioid agonist that primarily binds to the mu-opioid receptor in the central nervous system (CNS). This binding inhibits ascending pain pathways, alters the perception of and response to pain, and produces generalized CNS depression. Morphine also has effects on kappa and delta opioid receptors, contributing to its analgesic and sedative properties. (1)
What Morphine sulfate is used for
Management of severe pain
Management of severe pain (2)
Relief of chronic pain (e.g., cancer pain)
Relief of chronic pain (e.g., cancer pain) (2)
Pain management after surgery
Pain management after surgery (2)
Palliative care for severe dyspnea
Palliative care for severe dyspnea (2)
Before taking Morphine sulfate
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Severe respiratory depression, acute or severe bronchial asthma, known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, hypersensitivity to morphine. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Morphine sulfate
- General Instructions: Take morphine exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed.. Adult Dosing: Typical starting dose for adults varies by formulation and pain severity. Oral: 10–30 mg every 4 hours as needed for immediate-release; extended-release: 15–30 mg every 12 hours. Dose may be adjusted by your doctor.. Pediatric Dosing: Dosing in children is weight-based and must be determined by a pediatric specialist. Never give morphine to a child without medical supervision.. Administration: Swallow extended-release tablets/capsules whole; do not crush or chew. Oral solutions should be measured carefully. Injections are administered by healthcare professionals.. When To Stop: Do not stop morphine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as withdrawal symptoms may occur. Your doctor will guide you on how to taper the dose safely.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children and dispose of unused medication safely.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take an extra dose to catch up.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call emergency services immediately. Symptoms include slow or shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness, muscle weakness, cold/clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, or loss of consciousness. Naloxone may be used as an antidote by healthcare professionals. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Vomiting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Constipation
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Drowsiness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Respiratory depression
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Pruritus
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Urinary retention
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
FDA BOXED WARNING (ELEVATED — an earlier draft of this record had these points only as ordinary prose warnings) — serious
Symptoms: FDA BOXED WARNING (ELEVATED — an earlier draft of this record had these points only as ordinary prose warnings): (1) Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse — morphine exposes patients and other users to the risk of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death; a prescriber assesses this risk before prescribing and monitors regularly. (2) Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression — risk is greatest when starting treatment or after a dose increase. (3) Extended-release/controlled-release tablets and capsules must be swallowed whole — crushing, chewing, or dissolving them can release a potentially fatal dose of morphine all at once. (4) Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome — prolonged use during pregnancy can cause withdrawal in the newborn, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. (5) Risks from concomitant use with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (including alcohol) — profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Use with caution in patients with head injury, increased intracranial pressure, or seizures — serious
Symptoms: Use with caution in patients with head injury, increased intracranial pressure, or seizures. May cause severe hypotension, especially in patients with compromised blood volume.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications: Severe respiratory depression, acute or severe bronchial asthma, known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, hypersensitivity to morphine.<br>Precautions: Use with caution in elderly, debilitated patients, those with hepatic or renal impairment, head injury, increased intracranial pressure, seizure disorders, or a history of substance abuse.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Morphine interacts with many medications, including other opioids, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, anticholinergics, and certain antifungals or antibiotics. Combining morphine with alcohol or other CNS depressants increases the risk of respiratory depression and sedation. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medicines and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
| Alcohol with extended-release morphine (SHARPENED) | Co-ingestion of alcohol with extended-release morphine tablets/capsules should be avoided — it may cause dangerous additive sedative and respiratory-depressant effects, and can also affect how quickly the extended-release formulation releases morphine, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
CORRECTED: current FDA labeling does not assign morphine a lettered pregnancy category (letter categories were phased out); an earlier draft of this record cited "Pregnancy Category C," which is not what the current label states. There are no available data establishing a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. Prolonged opioid use during pregnancy can cause physical dependence in the newborn and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated (see boxed warning) — any use during pregnancy is a decision for the clinician managing the pregnancy. (2)
Breastfeeding
Morphine passes into breast milk in variable amounts. Because of the risk of serious adverse effects in a breastfed infant — including excess sedation and life-threatening respiratory depression — the FDA label advises that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with morphine; discuss safer alternatives with the clinician managing your and your baby's care. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. (2)
Renal_impairment
The FDA label states morphine is broken down differently in the body when the kidneys or liver are not working normally. With reduced kidney function, morphine and its breakdown products (including active ones) can build up to much higher levels than usual, so treatment is started at a lower-than-usual dose with slow, careful dose increases and close monitoring for breathing problems, excess sleepiness, or low blood pressure. The same lower-starting-dose, slow-titration, close-monitoring approach applies to people with cirrhosis or other significant liver impairment, since morphine clearance is reduced and it stays in the body longer. Tell the prescribing clinician about any kidney or liver disease so dosing and monitoring can be adjusted. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
The FDA label states morphine is broken down differently in the body when the kidneys or liver are not working normally. With reduced kidney function, morphine and its breakdown products (including active ones) can build up to much higher levels than usual, so treatment is started at a lower-than-usual dose with slow, careful dose increases and close monitoring for breathing problems, excess sleepiness, or low blood pressure. The same lower-starting-dose, slow-titration, close-monitoring approach applies to people with cirrhosis or other significant liver impairment, since morphine clearance is reduced and it stays in the body longer. Tell the prescribing clinician about any kidney or liver disease so dosing and monitoring can be adjusted. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted 15-30°C (59-86°F). Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep out of reach of children and dispose of unused medication safely.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Management of severe pain
Dose summary: Initial dosing for opioid-naive patients is typically 10-30 mg orally every 4 hours as needed.
Renal context: The FDA label states morphine is substantially excreted by the kidney, and pharmacokinetics are altered in renal failure: AUC is increased and clearance decreased, with the active/toxic metabolites M3G and M6G able to accumulate to much higher plasma levels than in patients with normal renal function. The label directs starting these patients on a lower-than-usual dose, titrating slowly, and regularly evaluating for respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension. Hepatic impairment is treated the same way: in cirrhosis, morphine clearance decreases and half-life increases, so the label likewise recommends a lower starting dose with slow titration and close monitoring; adequate studies in severe hepatic impairment specifically have not been conducted. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
How quickly does morphine start working?
Immediate-release morphine usually begins to relieve pain within 30–60 minutes. Extended-release forms may take longer to start working but provide longer-lasting pain control.
Can I become addicted to morphine?
Yes, morphine has a risk of dependence and addiction, especially with long-term use or misuse. Always take it exactly as prescribed and discuss any concerns with your doctor.
What should I do if I experience constipation while taking morphine?
Constipation is a common side effect. Drink plenty of fluids, eat fiber-rich foods, and consider a stool softener or laxative if recommended by your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking morphine?
No. Drinking alcohol while taking morphine can increase the risk of dangerous side effects, including severe drowsiness and breathing problems.
Can morphine be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Morphine should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor, as it can affect the baby.
What are the signs of morphine overdose?
Signs include slow or shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, cold/clammy skin, and loss of consciousness. Seek emergency help immediately.
How should unused morphine be disposed of?
Unused morphine should be returned to a pharmacy take-back program or disposed of according to local guidelines. Do not flush down the toilet unless instructed.
What happens if I take too much Morphine?
Taking too much Morphine can lead to a life-threatening overdose. Symptoms include severe drowsiness, slowed or shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, cold and clammy skin, and loss of consciousness. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention by calling 911 or your local emergency services. Naloxone may be administered to reverse the effects.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Morphine?
No, it is strongly advised to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Morphine. Both Morphine and alcohol are central nervous system depressants. Combining them significantly increases the risk of severe side effects such as extreme drowsiness, dizziness, slowed breathing, respiratory depression, coma, and even death. Always consult your healthcare provider about alcohol use with any medication.
Is Morphine safe during pregnancy?
Morphine is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus, including neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. CORRECTED: current FDA labeling does not assign morphine a lettered pregnancy category (an earlier version of this answer cited "Category C," which is not what the current label states) — there are no available data establishing a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage, but prolonged use in pregnancy can cause the newborn to experience withdrawal. Always consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What is the mechanism of action of Morphine sulfate?
Morphine is a pure opioid agonist that primarily binds to the mu-opioid receptor in the central nervous system (CNS). This binding inhibits ascending pain pathways, alters the perception of and response to pain, and produces generalized CNS depression. Morphine also has effects on kappa and delta opioid receptors, contributing to its analgesic and sedative properties. (1)
What is the generic name of Morphine Sulfate?
The generic name is Morphine sulfate. It is sold under brand names including Arymo ER, Duramorph, Morcontin, MOS, Oramorph, Statex.
What class of drug is Morphine sulfate?
Morphine Sulfate is classed as: Opioid analgesic.
References
- Morphine clinical recordMedGuideGlobal · Global · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- MS CONTIN (morphine sulfate extended-release tablets, CII) — prescribing informationU.S. National Library of Medicine DailyMed · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- MORPHINE SULFATE INJECTION [HIKMA PHARMACEUTICALS USA INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- MORPHINE SULFATE — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA212451)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Morphine — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 235751)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Morphine sulfate names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Opium Tincture Deodorized1 g00mL, 10 g000mL, 10 mg/mL · ani pharmaceuticals, inc.
- MS Contin30 mg, 60 mg, 15 mg · rhodes pharmaceuticals llc
- Duramorph.5 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL · hikma pharmaceuticals usa inc.
- INFUMORPH 20010 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL · hikma pharmaceuticals usa inc.
- MITIGO200 mg/20mL, 500 mg/20mL · piramal critical care, inc.
- Opium1 g00mL · genus lifesciences inc.
Canada
- STATEX
- MORPHINE SULFATE INJ
- MS CONTIN SRT
- MS IR
- KADIAN
- STATEX SUPPOSITORIES
- MORPHINE SR
- MORPHINE-EPD
- MORPHINE LP EPIDURAL
- MORPHINE HP 25 -