Zomorph capsules (morphine)

How does it work?

Zomorph capsules contain the active ingredient morphine sulphate, which is a type of medicine called an opioid painkiller.

Opioid painkillers work by mimicking the action of naturally occurring pain-reducing chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are found in the brain and spinal cord and reduce pain by combining with opioid receptors.

Morphine mimicks the action of endorphins by combining with the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This blocks the transmission of pain signals sent by the nerves to the brain. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt.

Morphine is used to relieve severe pain, for example associated with cancer or severe injury.

Zomorph capsules are known as prolonged release capsules. They are designed to release the morphine slowly and continuously over 12 hours to help provide steady blood levels of the medicine throughout the day and hence prolonged pain relief. The capsules should be taken every 12 hours. They should be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed. Alternatively, the capsules can be opened and the contents sprinkled on to soft cold food. However the capsules contents must not be chewed or crushed, as this would damage the prolonged release action and could lead to the rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of morphine.

What is it used for?

Prolonged relief of severe pain.

Warning!

The contents of Zomorph capsules must be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed (see above).

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

If this medicine is taken for prolonged periods of time, the body can become tolerant to it and it may become less effective at relieving pain. This means that with time, higher doses may be needed to control pain. With prolonged use the body may also become dependent on the medicine. As a result, withdrawal symptoms can occur if the medicine is stopped suddenly. For this reason, when a person no longer needs this medicine it may be necessary to reduce treatment gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Use with caution in

Elderly people.

Decreased kidney function.

Decreased liver function.

People with decreased lung function or breathing difficulties, for example asthma.

History of convulsions (fits), eg epilepsy.

Low blood pressure (hypotension) and low circulating blood volume (hypovolaemia).

Diseases of the bile ducts.

Inflammation of the pancreas .

Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

Enlarged prostate gland .

Underactive thyroid gland .

Lack of production of natural steroid hormones from the adrenal gland (adrenocortical insufficiency).

People dependent on opioids.

Alcoholism.

Serious medical condition caused by withdrawal from alcohol (delirium tremens).

Zomorph capsules should be used with caution following operations, particularly surgery on the gut.

Not to be used in

Children.

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression).

Obstructive airways disease.

Head injury.

Increased pressure in the brain (raised intracranial pressure).

People with inactivity of the intestine that stops material passing through the gut (paralytic ileus).

People with delayed emptying of the stomach contents into the intestine.

Sudden emergency conditions affecting one or more of the organs in the abdomen (acute abdomen, eg appendicitis).

Acute liver disease.

People who have taken a monoamine-oxidase inhibitor antidepressant (MAOI) in the last 14 days.

Zomorph capsules are not recommended in the first 24 hours following operations, or until normal bowel function has returned.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy or labour because it may cause breathing difficulties in the baby. Babies born to mothers who have been having long-term treatment with this medicine may have withdrawal symptoms after birth. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It is not recommended for use by breastfeeding women. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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