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ratio-Morphine

(morphine immediate release)

In this factsheet:
• How does ratio-Morphine work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use ratio-Morphine?
• What form(s) does ratio-Morphine come in?
• Who should NOT take ratio-Morphine?
• What side effects are possible with ratio-Morphine?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for ratio-Morphine?
• What other drugs could interact with ratio-Morphine?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does ratio-Morphine work? What will it do for me?

Morphine is used to relieve severe pain when less potent pain relievers are not effective. It is a member of a family of medications called the opioids, which decrease pain by working on the central nervous system. Morphine immediate release works quickly. It will usually relieve pain within about 30 minutes.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use ratio-Morphine?

Doses of morphine vary widely and depend on the circumstances of an individual. After a certain dose of morphine has been taken for a period of time, the body often gets used to it and a higher dose of morphine is needed to relieve the pain. Generally, your doctor will try to find the dose of morphine that will give you acceptable pain relief without an unacceptable level of side effects. This helps to reduce the side effects of the medication and allows for the dose to be adjusted upwards if needed. Always check with your doctor if you feel your medication isn't working well anymore.

Over time, this medication may produce tolerance and physical dependence as your body becomes used to the drug. Tolerance occurs when a dose that used to provide acceptable pain relief is no longer effective, and higher doses are required to achieve the same level of pain relief. Physical dependence is a state where the body will go into withdrawal if the medication is stopped suddenly. If you have been taking morphine on a regular basis for a long period of time, talk to your doctor before stopping the drug, as withdrawal effects can occur. Tolerance and physical dependence are not the same as addiction. Addiction is defined as a psychological need to use the medication for reasons other than pain relief. Although people may become addicted to this medication, it is most common for people who have had addictions to other substances in the past.

The liquid form of morphine may be mixed with a glass of fruit juice just before taking it to improve the taste.

If you are using a suppository, first remove the foil wrapper and moisten the suppository with cold water. Lie down on your side and use your finger to push the suppository well up into the rectum. Also, if you find the suppository is too soft to insert, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or run cold water over it before removing the foil wrapper.

Store this medication away from heat, light, and moisture.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does ratio-Morphine come in?

1 mg/mL
Each mL of orange-flavoured, light yellow limpid syrup, contains morphine HCl 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: artificial and natural orange flavouring, calcium cyclamate, FD&C Yellow No. 5, glycerin, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water and sorbitol. Alcohol- and sucrose-free.

5 mg/mL
Each mL of orange-flavoured, light yellow limpid syrup, contains morphine HCl 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: artificial and natural orange flavouring, calcium cyclamate, FD&C Yellow No. 5, glycerin, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water and sorbitol. Alcohol- and sucrose-free.

10 mg/mL
Each mL of orange-flavoured, light yellow limpid syrup, contains morphine HCl 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: artificial and natural orange flavouring, calcium cyclamate, FD&C Yellow No. 5, glycerin, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water and sorbitol. Alcohol- and sucrose-free.

20 mg/mL
Each mL of unflavoured, light yellow limpid syrup, contains morphine HCl 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium cyclamate, FD&C Yellow No. 5, glycerin, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water and sorbitol. Alcohol- and sucrose-free.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take ratio-Morphine?

Morphine should not be taken by people with the following conditions:

• a known sensitivity or allergy to morphine or related medications (such as codeine)
• acute respiratory distress (such as an asthma attack)
• severe central nervous system depression (sedation)
• head injuries, brain tumours, or increased pressure in the head or spinal cord
• acute alcohol intoxication or delirium tremens
• seizure disorders (such as epilepsy)
• heart failure due to chronic lung disease
• abnormal heart rhythms
• recent biliary tract (gallbladder, liver, and others) surgery
• possible abdominal problems requiring emergency surgery
• people who have been taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., tranylcypromine, phenelzine) in the past 14 days

Be sure to tell all health professionals involved in your care of any medical conditions you have before taking this medication.

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