Drug reference
morphine
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Musculoskeletal (Opioids)
Mechanism of action
Narcotic agonist-analgesic of opiate receptors; inhibits ascending pain pathways, thus altering response to pain; produces analgesia, respiratory depression, and sedation; suppresses cough by acting centrally in medulla.
Common side effects
- Pruritus
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Somnolence
- Headache
- Urinary retention
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity Paralytic ileus Toxin-mediated diarrhea Respiratory depression, acute or severe bronchial asthma, upper airway obstruction Within 2 weeks of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) therapy GI obstruction (extended release)
- Hypercarbia (immediate release tablets/solution) Upper airway obstruction (epidural/intrathecal) Heart failure due to chronic lung disease, head injuries, brain tumors, deliriums tremens, seizure disorders, during labor when premature birth anticipated (injectable formulation) Cardiac arrh…
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is morphine?
morphine belongs to: Musculoskeletal.
How does morphine work?
Narcotic agonist-analgesic of opiate receptors; inhibits ascending pain pathways, thus altering response to pain; produces analgesia, respiratory depression, and sedation; suppresses cough by acting centrally in medulla.
What are the common side effects of morphine?
Pruritus, Constipation, Vomiting, Somnolence, Headache, Urinary retention
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