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Morphine sulfate is a prescription opioid analgesic and Schedule II controlled substance. This page focuses on immediate-release oral tablets containing 15 mg or 30 mg. They are indicated for management of acute or chronic pain severe enough to require an opioid when alternative treatments are inadequate. Extended-release tablets, capsules, injections, and oral liquids have different dosing instructions.
read more about morphine ...Morphine primarily activates mu-opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other tissues. This changes how pain signals are transmitted and perceived. The same receptor activity can suppress breathing, slow intestinal movement, and produce sedation and physical dependence.
Immediate-release morphine tablets are used for severe pain when nonopioid medicines or other treatment options cannot adequately manage symptoms. Current labeling includes adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 50 kg who can swallow tablets. Patients with significant respiratory depression, acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting, or known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction must not receive morphine tablets.
For adults beginning immediate-release oral morphine, current labeling describes an initial dose of 15 mg to 30 mg every four hours as needed for severe pain. Eligible pediatric patients weighing at least 50 kg usually start at 15 mg every four hours as needed, with an initial dose limit of 30 mg. Doses are individualized according to previous opioid exposure, pain severity, and response. Extended-release and injectable formulations are not substituted directly without careful dose conversion.
Morphine carries boxed warnings for addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, potentially fatal respiratory depression, accidental ingestion, and dangerous interactions with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system depressants. Other serious risks include profound sedation, low blood pressure, adrenal insufficiency, and neonatal opioid withdrawal following prolonged exposure during pregnancy. Abrupt discontinuation in physically dependent patients can cause severe withdrawal symptoms.
Morphine treats acute or chronic pain severe enough to require an opioid when alternative treatments are inadequate.
Current immediate-release tablet labeling describes 15 mg to 30 mg every four hours as needed, with dosing individualized by the prescriber.
Yes. Morphine is a Schedule II controlled substance with risks of dependence, misuse, and overdose.
Yes. Morphine can cause life-threatening respiratory depression, particularly when treatment begins, doses increase, or other sedatives are taken.
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