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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Brand Name
Opium Tincture Deodorized
Generic Name
Morphine Tincture
Active Ingredient
MorphineCategory
Opioid Agonist [EPC]
Salt Form
Sulfate
Variants
2
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 g/1000mL | SOLUTION | ORAL | 63629-1965 |
| 1 g/100mL | SOLUTION | ORAL | 62559-153 |
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Opium Tincture Deodorized, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Detailed information about Opium Tincture Deodorized
Morphine is a potent opioid agonist used for the management of severe acute and chronic pain. As the gold standard of analgesic therapy, it acts primarily on the central nervous system to alter the perception of and emotional response to pain.
Dosage for morphine must be highly individualized based on the patient's age, weight, medical history, and previous exposure to opioid medications. Healthcare providers usually follow the principle of 'start low and go slow.'
Morphine is used in children, but dosing is strictly weight-based and must be managed by a pediatric specialist.
Because morphine's active metabolites (M6G) are cleared by the kidneys, patients with a reduced Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) require significant dose reductions. If the GFR is between 10-50 mL/min, providers typically give 75% of the normal dose. If GFR is below 10 mL/min, the dose is often reduced to 50% or avoided entirely in favor of opioids not cleared renally (like hydromorphone or fentanyl).
Since the liver is the primary site of glucuronidation, patients with cirrhosis or hepatic failure may experience delayed clearance. Healthcare providers may increase the dosing interval (e.g., giving the drug every 8 hours instead of every 4) to prevent accumulation.
Older adults often have decreased renal function and increased sensitivity to CNS effects. Providers generally start elderly patients at 50% of the standard adult dose to minimize the risk of confusion, falls, and respiratory depression.
If you miss a dose of an around-the-clock morphine medication, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Never double the dose to catch up, as this increases the risk of dangerous respiratory depression.
A morphine overdose is a medical emergency. Signs include:
In the event of a suspected overdose, call emergency services immediately. Naloxone (Narcan) is the standard reversal agent and should be administered if available.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions exactly. Do not adjust your dose or stop the medication without medical guidance, as sudden discontinuation can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.
Most patients taking morphine will experience at least one side effect, particularly during the first few days of treatment or following a dose increase.
Morphine is a high-alert medication. It must only be used by the person for whom it was prescribed. Sharing morphine is illegal and dangerous. Patients should be screened for a personal or family history of substance abuse before starting therapy. It is vital to keep this medication in a locked cabinet, away from children and pets.
The FDA-approved labeling for morphine contains several critical warnings. These include the risk of Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse, which can occur even at recommended doses. Life-threatening Respiratory Depression is a constant risk, particularly during the initiation of therapy or after a dose increase. There is also a warning regarding Accidental Ingestion, noting that a single dose of morphine, especially by a child, can result in a fatal overdose. Furthermore, the Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants (including alcohol) are highlighted, as these combinations significantly increase the risk of fatal respiratory failure.
Certain medications should never be combined with morphine due to the risk of extreme toxicity:
There are several conditions where morphine must never be used because the risks far outweigh any potential benefit:
Morphine is generally classified as Pregnancy Category C (under the older system). Prolonged use of morphine during pregnancy can result in Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS), which can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Symptoms in the newborn include irritability, hyperactivity, abnormal sleep patterns, high-pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, and failure to gain weight. Morphine should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Use during labor and delivery can lead to respiratory depression in the newborn.
Morphine is excreted in human milk. While the amounts are often small, there is a risk of sedation and respiratory depression in the nursing infant. If a breastfeeding mother requires morphine, the infant must be closely monitored for increased sleepiness, difficulty breastfeeding, or breathing problems. Many experts recommend using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration or considering alternative pain management strategies.
Morphine is approved for use in children for the management of severe pain. However, the safety and effectiveness of extended-release formulations in pediatric patients under the age of 18 have not been well-established. Pediatric dosing is strictly weight-based, and children are more susceptible to the respiratory-depressant effects of opioids.
Morphine is a pure opioid agonist whose principal therapeutic action is analgesia. It binds with high affinity to mu-opioid receptors in the CNS. At the cellular level, this binding stimulates G-proteins, which in turn inhibits adenylate cyclase, closes voltage-gated calcium channels, and opens potassium channels. This results in hyperpolarization of the neuron and a reduction in neuronal excitability, effectively 'turning down' the volume on pain signals. While it also binds to kappa and delta receptors, its effects at the mu-receptor are responsible for its most significant clinical actions: pain relief, respiratory depression, and euphoria.
The onset of action for IV morphine is nearly immediate, with peak effects occurring within 20 minutes. For oral immediate-release morphine, the onset is 30 to 60 minutes, with a duration of 4 to 6 hours. Tolerance—the need for increasing doses to maintain the same level of analgesia—can develop with chronic use. This is thought to occur due to receptor desensitization and down-regulation.
| Parameter | Value |
Common questions about Opium Tincture Deodorized
Morphine is primarily used to manage pain that is severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which other treatments, such as non-opioid medications, are insufficient. It is commonly used for acute pain following major surgery or trauma, as well as for chronic pain associated with conditions like advanced cancer. In hospital settings, it is also used to relieve the chest pain associated with a heart attack and to ease the sensation of breathlessness in palliative care. Because it is a potent medication with significant risks, healthcare providers only prescribe it when other options are not appropriate. It works by changing how the brain and nervous system respond to pain signals.
The most frequent side effects of morphine include constipation, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Constipation is almost universal and usually requires the use of laxatives, as the body does not develop a tolerance to this effect. Nausea and sleepiness are common when first starting the medication or after a dose increase, but these often improve as the body adjusts over several days. Other common issues include itching (due to histamine release), dry mouth, and sweating. If these side effects become severe or bothersome, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider rather than stopping the medication abruptly.
No, you should never drink alcohol while taking morphine. Combining alcohol with opioids significantly increases the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Alcohol can also interfere with the way extended-release morphine tablets work, causing them to release the entire dose into your system at once, a dangerous phenomenon known as 'dose dumping.' Even small amounts of alcohol can be hazardous when combined with potent painkillers. It is essential to avoid all alcoholic beverages and any over-the-counter medications that contain alcohol while on this therapy.
Morphine is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the significant risks to the fetus. Prolonged use of morphine during pregnancy can lead to Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS), where the baby is born physically dependent on the drug and requires specialized medical care to withdraw safely. There are also risks of respiratory depression in the newborn if the drug is used close to the time of delivery. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you must discuss your pain management options with your healthcare provider. They will help you weigh the risks of the medication against the risks of untreated severe pain.
The time it takes for morphine to work depends on the formulation and how it is administered. When given intravenously (IV) in a hospital, the effects are felt almost immediately, usually within a few minutes. Immediate-release oral tablets or liquids typically begin working within 30 to 60 minutes, with the peak effect occurring around 1 to 2 hours after ingestion. Extended-release formulations are designed to release the medication slowly and may take several hours to reach a steady effect, as they are intended for long-term pain control rather than rapid relief. Always follow the specific timing instructions provided by your doctor for your particular formulation.
You should never stop taking morphine suddenly if you have been using it regularly for more than a few days. Doing so can trigger a severe withdrawal syndrome, which includes symptoms like intense anxiety, sweating, muscle aches, tremors, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While withdrawal is rarely life-threatening for healthy adults, it is extremely uncomfortable and can complicate your medical condition. If you and your doctor decide to stop the medication, they will provide a gradual tapering schedule to slowly lower the dose over time. This allows your body to adjust safely and minimizes the symptoms of withdrawal.
If you miss a dose of a regularly scheduled morphine medication, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, you should skip the missed dose and simply take the next one at the regular time. Do not take two doses at once to make up for the one you missed, as this can lead to a dangerous overdose. For 'as-needed' (PRN) morphine, you can simply take the dose when you remember, provided enough time has passed since your last dose as instructed by your doctor. If you are unsure, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider for guidance.
Weight gain is not a common direct side effect of morphine, but it can occur indirectly for several reasons. Morphine can cause significant constipation and fluid retention, which may reflect as a slight increase on the scale. Additionally, the sedation and fatigue caused by the medication may lead to a more sedentary lifestyle and reduced physical activity. Some patients also experience changes in appetite or hormonal shifts (such as decreased testosterone) that can affect metabolism over long-term use. If you notice significant or rapid weight changes, discuss them with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.
Morphine can interact with many other medications, some of which can be life-threatening. It is particularly dangerous when taken with other drugs that slow down the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines, sleep medications, muscle relaxants, or other opioids. It can also interact with certain antidepressants (MAOIs) and medications that affect heart rhythm or blood pressure. Because of these risks, it is vital to provide your healthcare provider and pharmacist with a complete list of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. They will check for potential interactions and adjust your treatment plan to ensure your safety.
Yes, morphine sulfate is available in several generic forms, including immediate-release tablets, oral solutions, and some extended-release formulations. Generic versions are typically much less expensive than brand-name versions like MS Contin or Kadian and are required by the FDA to have the same active ingredient, strength, and effectiveness. However, different generic manufacturers may use different inactive ingredients, so the appearance of the pill may change. If you are switching from a brand-name to a generic, or between different generic brands, your doctor will monitor you to ensure you are receiving the same level of pain relief.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Morphine)
> Warning: Stop taking Morphine and call your doctor or emergency services immediately if you experience any of these:
The FDA has issued several 'Black Box Warnings' for morphine, the highest level of alert:
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately to ensure safe management of your therapy.
Patients on long-term morphine therapy require regular monitoring by their healthcare provider:
Morphine significantly impairs the mental and physical abilities required for potentially hazardous tasks. Do not drive a car or operate heavy machinery until you know how morphine affects you. Drowsiness and delayed reaction times are common, especially when starting the drug or increasing the dose.
Do not consume alcohol while taking morphine. Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of morphine and, in the case of some extended-release formulations, can cause the drug to be released into the bloodstream all at once ('dose dumping'), which can be fatal.
Do not stop taking morphine abruptly if you have been taking it for more than a few days. Sudden discontinuation can lead to a severe withdrawal syndrome, characterized by anxiety, sweating, insomnia, rigors (shaking), pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Your healthcare provider will provide a tapering schedule to slowly reduce the dose and minimize these symptoms.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially any history of lung disease, kidney disease, or substance abuse, with your healthcare provider before starting Morphine.
For each major interaction, the mechanism usually involves either pharmacodynamic synergy (two drugs doing the same thing to the body, like slowing breathing) or pharmacokinetic interference (one drug changing how the other is absorbed or excreted). The management strategy is typically to avoid the combination, reduce the dose, or increase monitoring.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. A complete list is the best way to prevent dangerous interactions.
In these situations, a healthcare provider must perform a careful risk-benefit analysis:
Patients who have had a severe allergic reaction to other phenanthrene-type opioids (such as codeine, hydrocodone, or hydromorphone) may also react to morphine. However, they may be able to tolerate opioids from different chemical classes, such as phenylpiperidines (fentanyl) or diphenylheptanes (methadone), under strict medical supervision.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including any history of lung, kidney, or liver disease, before prescribing Morphine.
Elderly patients (65 years and older) are at an increased risk for adverse reactions. They often have reduced renal clearance, which leads to the accumulation of active metabolites. Furthermore, the elderly are more prone to morphine-induced confusion, delirium, and falls. Healthcare providers typically start with very low doses and monitor renal function closely.
As previously noted, the kidneys are responsible for clearing the active metabolite morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G). In patients with a GFR < 60 mL/min, M6G can accumulate to toxic levels, leading to unexpected respiratory depression even at 'standard' doses. Dose reductions of 25-50% are typically required for patients with moderate to severe renal disease.
While the liver's capacity to glucuronidate morphine is quite large, patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) may have reduced clearance of the parent drug. This can lead to a longer duration of action and a higher risk of sedation. Monitoring for CNS depression is critical in these patients.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or have any organ impairment.
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | 20% - 40% (Oral) |
| Protein Binding | 35% |
| Half-life | 2 - 4 hours (Parent drug) |
| Tmax | 1 hour (IR), 3-4 hours (ER) |
| Metabolism | Hepatic (Glucuronidation to M3G and M6G) |
| Excretion | Renal (90%), Fecal (10%) |
Morphine is the primary member of the Opioid Agonist [EPC] class. It is a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, reflecting its high potential for abuse but also its accepted medical utility.