Drug Notes

Morphine (Into the rectum)

Morphine (MOR-feen)

Treats severe pain. This medicine is a narcotic pain reliever.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Suppository, Long Acting Suppository

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Never take rectal suppositories by mouth.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Remove the foil or wrapper from the suppository before inserting it.
• To make the suppository easier to insert, you may use a lubricating gel such as K-Y® Jelly, but do not use petroleum jelly (Vaseline®).
• Lie on your left side with your left leg straight or slightly bent, and your right knee bent upward. Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum about 1 inch.
• Keep lying down for about 15 minutes to keep the suppository from coming out before it melts. Then, wash your hands again.

If a dose is missed:

• You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• You may store the suppositories in the refrigerator, but do not freeze them.
• Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medicine you do not use.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using methocarbamol (Robaxin®), furazolidone (Furoxone®), or an MAO inhibitor. Tell your doctor if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or a beta-blocker such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Inderal®, Toprol® Lopressor®.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have a lung disorder such as asthma or emphysema, or a history of head injury or seizures. Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, kidney disease, heart rhythm problems, or a thyroid disorder. Your doctor should know if you have Addison's disease, stomach problems, prostate problems, a history of alcoholism, or problems with urination.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• It may be helpful to lie down and rest as much as possible while you are using this medicine. When you first start using the medicine, you may feel like sleeping for several hours each day.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Shallow breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision.
• Dry mouth, loss of appetite.
• Headache.
• Mild skin rash or itching.
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, sweating.
• Problems with balance or walking.
• Sleepiness, feeling disoriented.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017