Drug Factsheets

 Health Home >> Medications 

M-Eslon

(morphine sustained release)

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

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does M-Eslon work? What will it do for me?

Morphine belongs to the class of medications called narcotic analgesics (pain relievers). These pain relievers are also known as opioid analgesics. This medication is used to treat severe chronic pain. It acts on the brain to increase pain tolerance.

Sustained-release pain relievers should only be used when chronic pain control is necessary and should not be used to treat acute pain. Your doctor may prescribe additional pain relievers that act more quickly for treatment of acute or "breakthrough" pain.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. 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.

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.

How should I use M-Eslon?

The dose of long-acting morphine varies widely based on needs. Tablets or capsules are to be taken every 12 or 24 hours on a regular schedule in order to achieve and maintain pain relief.

To preserve the long-acting activity of the medication, the tablets or capsules must not be chewed or crushed. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules whole, contact your doctor. Some capsules may be opened and sprinkled on soft food.

This medication may be habit forming if taken for long periods of time. Do not take this medication in higher doses or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.

Over time, this medication may produce tolerance and physical dependence as your body becomes used to the medication. 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 medication, 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.

You may experience withdrawal effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly after extended use. If you plan on stopping the medication, your doctor may want you to reduce the dose gradually to reduce the severity of withdrawal effects.

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 take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor first, and do not increase the dose of this medication without consulting your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

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 M-Eslon come in?

10 mg
Each No. 4 hard gelatin capsule, printed with a logo, "M-ESLON" and "10" in black, opaque white cap and body, contains morphine sulfate 10 mg in the form of extended release microgranules. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, dibutyl sebacate, polyoxyethylene glycol, polymeric dispersion of ethylcellulose, sugar and talc; capsule shell: colouring agent, gelatin, and sulfur dioxide. Tartrazine-free.

15 mg
Each No. 4 hard gelatin capsule, printed with a logo, "M-ESLON" and "15" in black, opaque yellow cap and transparent natural body, contains morphine sulfate 15 mg in the form of extended release microgranules. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, dibutyl sebacate, polyoxyethylene glycol, polymeric dispersion of ethylcellulose, sugar and talc; capsule shell: colouring agent, gelatin, and sulfur dioxide.

30 mg
Each No. 4 hard gelatin capsule, printed with a logo, "M-ESLON" and "30" in black, opaque pink cap and transparent natural body, contains morphine sulfate 30 mg in the form of extended release microgranules. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, dibutyl sebacate, polyoxyethylene glycol, polymeric dispersion of ethylcellulose, sugar and talc; capsule shell: colouring agent, gelatin, and sulfur dioxide. Tartrazine-free.

60 mg
Each No. 3 hard gelatin capsule, printed with a logo, "M-ESLON" and "60" in black, opaque orange cap and transparent natural body, contains morphine sulfate 60 mg in the form of extended release microgranules. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, dibutyl sebacate, polyoxyethylene glycol, polymeric dispersion of ethylcellulose, sugar and talc; capsule shell: colouring agent, gelatin, and sulfur dioxide. Tartrazine-free.

100 mg
Each No. 2 hard gelatin capsule, printed with a logo, "M-ESLON" and "100" in white, opaque gray cap and transparent natural body, contains morphine sulfate 100 mg in the form of extended release microgranules. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, dibutyl sebacate, polyoxyethylene glycol, polymeric dispersion of ethylcellulose, sugar and talc; capsule shell: colouring agent, gelatin, and sulfur dioxide. Tartrazine-free.

200 mg
Each No. 0 hard gelatin capsule, printed with a logo, "M-ESLON" and "200" in white, opaque red cap and transparent natural body, contains morphine sulfate 200 mg in the form of extended release microgranules. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, dibutyl sebacate, polyoxyethylene glycol, polymeric dispersion of ethylcellulose, sugar and talc; capsule shell: colouring agent, gelatin, and sulfur dioxide. Tartrazine-free.

Who should NOT take M-Eslon?

Morphine sustained release should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to morphine, other narcotic analgesics, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is experiencing acute alcoholism or delirium tremens
• is experiencing acute asthma or other obstructive airway disease
• is experiencing acute respiratory depression
• has a blockage of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly paralytic ileus
• has a head injury, a brain tumour, or increased pressure inside the head or spinal cord
• has a medication regimen (current or completed in the last 14 days) that includes MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine
• has abnormal heart rhythms
• has convulsive (seizure) disorders
• has cor pulmonale
• has severe depression of the central nervous system (i.e., sedation)
• has suspected abdominal conditions that may require surgery

Continued... 1 | 2 | Next