Morphine
Morphine is a strong opioid used for severe pain after injury or surgery, in cancer pain, and in palliative care when other analgesics are insufficient. It comes as immediate and modified-release tablets, liquids, and injections in hospital.
This medicine is part of the Pain relief category.
Generic name: morphine
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Morphine is a strong opioid used for severe pain after injury or surgery, in cancer pain, and in palliative care when other analgesics are insufficient.
How long does it take to work?
Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review.
What are common side effects?
Constipation, nausea, drowsiness, itch, dry mouth, and sweating.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Morphine with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Morphine is used for
Morphine is a strong opioid used for severe pain after injury or surgery, in cancer pain, and in palliative care when other analgesics are insufficient.
It comes as immediate and modified-release tablets, liquids, and injections in hospital.
How does Morphine work, and how long does it take to work?
It activates mu-opioid receptors in brain and spinal cord, reducing pain perception and emotional distress related to pain.
Tolerance and dependence can develop with prolonged use.
How and when should you take Morphine?
Dosing is highly individual — never share tablets. Modified-release forms must not be crushed or chewed.
Breakthrough pain plans may include separate immediate-release doses as prescribed.
What are the common side effects of Morphine?
Constipation, nausea, drowsiness, itch, dry mouth, and sweating.
Serious side effects of Morphine — when to get urgent help
Seek emergency help for slow or shallow breathing, inability to stay awake, or overdose. Naloxone may be supplied for at-risk patients.
What if you miss a dose of Morphine?
For regular schedules, take when remembered unless nearly time for next; do not double. Palliative teams give individual missed-dose rules.
Who should not take Morphine?
Acute severe asthma, paralytic ileus, and acute head injury with risk factors may contraindicate. Sleep apnoea raises breathing risk.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Morphine? — other interactions
Sedatives, alcohol, gabapentinoids, and benzodiazepines greatly increase overdose risk — only combined when strictly necessary with medical supervision.
Morphine in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Short-term supervised use may occur in labour; chronic use in pregnancy needs specialist care.
Blood tests and monitoring on Morphine
Pain scores, sedation, breathing, and bowel care are reviewed regularly in opioid treatment.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Morphine?
Oxycodone, fentanyl patches, or non-opioid multimodal pain plans may be used depending on setting.
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Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists for accuracy and clarity. Content is informational only.
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Frequently asked questions about Morphine
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Morphine used for?
- Morphine is a strong opioid used for severe pain after injury or surgery, in cancer pain, and in palliative care when other analgesics are insufficient. It comes as immediate and modified-release tablets, liquids, and injections in hospital.
- How long does Morphine take to work?
- Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Morphine with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Morphine with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Morphine?
- Constipation, nausea, drowsiness, itch, dry mouth, and sweating. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Why am I constipated on morphine?
- Opioids slow gut movement almost everyone — laxatives are often co-prescribed; ask your nurse or GP for a stool plan.
- Is morphine only for dying patients?
- No — it is used for severe pain in many settings, including after major surgery, but long-term community use should be regularly reviewed.
Need personalised advice?
Your local pharmacist or GP surgery can help with questions about your medicines, side effects, and alternatives that may be suitable for you.
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Often used with
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