Drug interactions
Morphine + Opium tincture
Severity: Major
Morphine and Opium tincture: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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.
Summary
Opium tincture contains morphine and other opium alkaloids, so using it with morphine duplicates opioid therapy. This raises the risk of excessive sedation, respiratory depression and constipation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Morphine and Opium tincture can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive mu-opioid receptor agonism, since opium tincture contains morphine itself.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use unless intentionally prescribed, and count the morphine content of the tincture in the total daily opioid dose. Monitor respiratory rate and sedation closely.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Morphine
- Alvimopan + Morphine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Morphine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Morphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Morphine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Morphine with Opium tincture?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Morphine and Opium tincture can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Opium tincture contains morphine and other opium alkaloids, so using it with morphine duplicates opioid therapy. This raises the risk of excessive sedation, respiratory depression and constipation.
How serious is the interaction between Morphine and Opium tincture?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use unless intentionally prescribed, and count the morphine content of the tincture in the total daily opioid dose. Monitor respiratory rate and sedation closely.
What other medicines interact with Morphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Morphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Morphine page.
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