Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 26, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- DepoDur
Chemical Class: Opioid
Uses for morphine
Morphine epidural injection is used to relieve pain following a major surgery. It is given right before a surgery or during a cesarean section delivery right after the baby's umbilical cord is clamped.
Morphine belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.
Morphine is available only with your doctor's prescription and will be given by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Before using morphine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For morphine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to morphine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of morphine epidural injection in the pediatric population. Use of morphine epidural injection is not recommended in children.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of morphine epidural injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related heart, stomach, or lung problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving morphine epidural injection.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two di...
