How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient morphine sulphate, which is a type of medicine called an opioid or narcotic analgesic (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.

What is it used for?

Severe pain

Warning!

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

Some brands or preparations of medicine containing this active ingredient are not recommended for use in children under certain ages. Consult the package literature provided with the medicine for further information.

Use with caution in

Convulsive disorders

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Dependence on opioids (such as heroin)

Diseases of the bile ducts

Elderly people

Enlarged prostate gland

Hypothyroidism

Increased pressure in the brain (raised intracranial pressure)

Inflammation of pancreas

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

Intoxication induced by the rapid ingestion of alcoholic drinks (acute alcoholism)

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

Low blood pressure and low circulating blood volume

Not to be used in

Acute liver disease

Delayed emptying of the stomach contents into the intestine

Emergency condition caused by damage to one or more of the organs in the abdomen following injury or disease (acute abdomen)

Failure of function of part of the gut causing an obstruction (paralytic ileus)

Head injury

Hereditary fructose intolerance (only applicable to Sevredol oral solution brand of morphine)

Obstructive airways disease

People who have taken monoamine-oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (MAOIs) in the last 14 days

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

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 may be harmful to a developing foetus. It should not normally be given to pregnant women unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the foetus. 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 may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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