Morphine
Morphine is a potent opioid analgesic used to manage moderate to severe pain when other treatments are insufficient. It works by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system to reduce the perception of pain. This medication is commonly used in hospital settings, for cancer-related pain, and for severe acute pain management.
Morphine is a strong opioid pain medication used for moderate to severe pain relief when other analgesics are inadequate.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N02AA01
- RxNorm
- 7052
- Generic
- Morphine
- Class
- atc-n02
- Brands
- Kadian, MS Contin, Duramorph, Infumorph, Mitigo
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, rectal
- Forms
- injection, prefilled syringe, capsule, solution, tablet, suspension
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 15mg to 30mg every 12 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.1mg to 0.2mg/kg every 4 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4 hours as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 7.5mg to 15mg every 12 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; opioids should not be used for pain in early pregnancy unless absolutely necessary
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid use near delivery
avoid chronic use in third trimester; if used, monitor for neonatal abstinence syndrome
continuous fetal monitoring; neonatal assessment for withdrawal symptoms
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
use with caution; monitor infant for excessive drowsiness or sedation
observe infant for signs of opioid toxicity: excessive drowsiness, poor feeding, respiratory depression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with 25-50% of adult dose
initiate at lowest effective dose; increase slowly; monitor for respiratory depression and sedation
close monitoring of respiratory status, sedation level, and bowel function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesavoid or use with extreme caution at reduced doses
avoid in neonates due to immature hepatic metabolism and blood-brain barrier; use only in monitored ICU setting for severe pain
continuous respiratory monitoring; watch for respiratory depression and sedation
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
infants childrenuse weight-based dosing with careful titration
use only when benefits outweigh risks; prefer alternative analgesics when possible; avoid high doses
continuous respiratory monitoring especially in children under 2; monitor for respiratory depression, sedation, and constipation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 50-75% and extend dosing interval
use with extreme caution; consider alternative analgesics; monitor for accumulation of active metabolites
frequent monitoring of renal function, respiratory status, and sedation levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentreduce dose by 50%
use with caution; impaired metabolism leads to prolonged half-life; monitor closely
monitor for signs of toxicity, respiratory depression, and excessive sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Morphine is classified as a strong opioid analgesic
Mechanism of action
Binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system
Controlled substance schedule
High potential for abuse with severe psychological or physical dependence
Common uses
Used for postoperative pain, cancer pain, and acute severe pain
Treatment of moderate to severe pain, including cancer pain, post-operative pain, and severe acute pain (such as from injury or myocardial infarction). Used when non-opioid analgesics or weaker opioids provide insufficient relief.
Morphine is a full agonist at mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system. By binding to these receptors, it alters pain perception and response to pain stimuli, producing analgesia along with potential effects on mood, sedation, and respiratory function.
Schedule II controlled substance with high abuse potential and risk of dependence. Can cause respiratory depression, especially at high doses or when combined with other CNS depressants. Requires careful dose titration and monitoring. Contraindicated in patients with respiratory depression, acute asthma, or GI obstruction.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy