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Morphine is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Morphine is in a class of medications called opioid analgesics. It works by affecting the way the body senses pain.
Morphine comes as a tablet, a capsule, a liquid, a controlled- or extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and a sustained-release (long-acting) capsule, all to take by mouth. It also comes as a suppository to insert rectally. The regular tablet, regular capsule, liquid, and suppository usually are taken every 4 hours as needed. The controlled- or extended-release tablet is taken every 8-12 hours as needed. The sustained-release capsule is taken once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Swallow the long-acting tablets and capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. You may open the sustained-release capsules and sprinkle the entire contents on a small amount of applesauce immediately before eating. Do not chew, crush, or dissolve the pellets inside the capsules. Shake the liquid well before measuring a dose. Ask your pharmacist for a specially marked measuring spoon so that you can easily measure a dose of the liquid. To insert a morphine suppository rectally, follow these steps: Remove the wrapper. Dip the tip of the suppository in water. Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.) Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch for infants and children and 1 inch for an adult. Hold it in place with your finger for a few moments. Stand up after about 15 minutes. Wash your hands thoroughly and resume normal activities. Take morphine exactly as directed. Morphine can be habit-forming. Do not take more of it, take it more often, or take it for longer than your doctor tells you to. |