What does it do?

Morphine is used to relieve strong pain.

How should you take it?

Take morphine as directed with a glass of water.
Measure the liquid carefully with an oral syringe or measuring spoon.

What if you forget a dose?

If morphine is taken regularly, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with morphine including:

• sedating antihistamines (e.g. Phenergan®)
• cough suppressants (e.g. Duro-Tuss®, Benadryl Dry Forte®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. valerian) or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Slow or shallow breathing, hard to wake up Change in heartbeat	Tell your doctor immediately
Constipation Confusion, dizziness, agitation, mood swings	Tell your doctor
Drowsiness, weakness, headache, trouble sleeping Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset Dry mouth or throat, changes in vision, trouble peeing Swollen feet or legs Sweating	Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Tell your doctor if you have lung, bowel, liver, kidney, bladder or heart problems; if you have ever had a seizure, or have had a recent head injury.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Morphine ‘short acting’ can be taken regularly or when required. If morphine is not relieving your pain contact your health professional - your dose may need changing.
• Morphine ‘short acting’ may be used with longer-acting pain relief medicines (e.g. morphine ‘long acting’ or fentanyl patches).
• Morphine can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)
• Morphine may be addictive with long-term use.