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Morphine Sulfate Extended Release
Overview
What is Morphine Sulfate Extended Release?
Warning:
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets contain
morphine sulfate, an opioid agonist and a Schedule II controlled substance, with
an abuse liability similar to other opioid
analgesics.
-- * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * --
Morphine Sulfate Extended-Release Tablets are supplied in tablet form for oral
administration.
Chemically, morphine sulfate is
7,8-didehydro-4,5α-epoxy-17-methylmorphinan-3,6α-diol sulfate (2:1) (salt)
pentahydrate.Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are opiate analgesics supplied in 15,
30, 60, 100* and 200* mg tablet strengths. The tablet strengths describe the
amount of morphine per tablet as the pentahydrated sulfate salt (morphine
sulfate USP).
All strengths contain the following inactive ingredients:
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, silicone
dioxide, titanium dioxide, and triacetine.
The 15 mg tablets also
contain: polyethylene glycol, polydextrose, and FD and C Blue No. 2.The 30
mg tablets also contain: polyethylene glycol, polydextrose, FD and C Blue No. 2,
and D and C Red No. 7.The 60 mg tablets also contain: polyethylene glycol,
polydextrose, FD and C Yellow No. 6, and iron oxide red.The 100 mg* tablets
also contain: iron oxide black.The 200 mg* tablets also contain:
polyethylene glycol, FD and C Blue No. 1, and D and C Yellow No. 10
Lake.
*100 mg and 200 mg ARE FOR USE IN OPIOID-TOLERANT
PATIENTS ONLY.
What does Morphine Sulfate Extended Release look like?
What are the available doses of Morphine Sulfate Extended Release?
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What should I talk to my health care provider before I take Morphine Sulfate Extended Release?
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How should I use Morphine Sulfate Extended Release?
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are an extended-release
oral formulation of morphine sulfate indicated for the management of moderate to
severe pain when a continuous, around-the-clock opioid analgesic is needed for
an extended period of time.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are NOT intended for use as a prn
analgesic.
The morphine sulfate extended-release tablets 100 mg and 200 mg strengths are
high dose, extended-release, oral morphine formulations indicated for the relief
of pain in opioid-tolerant patients only.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are not indicated for pain in the
immediate postoperative period (the first 12 to 24 hours following surgery) for
patients not previously taking the drug, because its safety in this setting has
not been established.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are not indicated for pain in the
postoperative period if the pain is mild, or not expected to persist for an
extended period of time.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are only indicated for
postoperative use if the patient is already receiving the drug prior to surgery
or if the postoperative pain is expected to be moderate to severe and persist
for an extended period of time. Physicians should individualize treatment,
moving from parenteral to oral analgesics as appropriate. (See American Pain
Society guidelines.)
MORPHINE SULFATE EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS ARE OPIOID
AGONISTS AND A SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITH AN ABUSE LIABILITY SIMILAR
TO OTHER OPIOID AGONISTS. MORPHINE AND OTHER OPIOIDS USED IN ANALGESIA CAN BE
ABUSED AND ARE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL DIVERSION.
MORPHINE SULFATE EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS ARE TO BE
SWALLOWED WHOLE, AND ARE TO BE BROKEN, CHEWED,
DISSOLVED, OR CRUSHED. TAKING BROKEN, CHEWED, DISSOLVED, OR CRUSHED MORPHINE
SULFATE EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS LEADS TO RAPID RELEASE AND ABSORPTION OF A
POTENTIALLY FATAL DOSE OF MORPHINE.
Physicians should individualize treatment in every case,
initiating therapy at the appropriate point along a progression from non-opioid
analgesics, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen to
opioids in a plan of pain management such as those outlined by the World Health
Organization, the Federation of State Medical Boards Model Guidelines, or the
American Pain Society. Healthcare professionals should follow appropriate pain
management principles of careful assessment and ongoing monitoring.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are an extended-release oral
formulation of morphine sulfate indicated for the management of moderate to
severe pain when a continuous, around-the-clock opioid analgesic is needed for
an extended period of time. The extended-release nature of the formulation
allows it to be administered on a more convenient schedule than conventional
immediate-release oral morphine products.
However, morphine
sulfate extended-release tablets do not release morphine continuously over the
course of a dosing interval. The administration of single doses of morphine
sulfate extended-release tablets on a q12h dosing schedule will result in higher
peak and lower trough plasma levels than those that occur when an identical
daily dose of morphine is administered using conventional oral formulations on a
q4h regimen. The clinical significance of greater fluctuations in morphine
plasma level has not been systematically evaluated.
As with any potent opioid drug product, it is critical to adjust the dosing
regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient’s prior
opioid and non-opioid analgesic treatment experience. Although it is clearly
impossible to enumerate every consideration that is important to the selection
of initial dose and dosing interval of morphine sulfate extended-release
tablets, attention should be given to 1) the daily dose, potency, and precise
characteristics of the opioid the patient has been taking previously (e.g.,
whether it is a pure agonist or mixed agonist/antagonist), 2) the reliability of
the relative potency estimate used to calculate the dose of morphine needed
[N.B. potency estimates may vary with the route of administration], 3) the
degree of opioid tolerance, if any, and 4) the general condition and medical
status of the patient.
The following dosing recommendations, therefore, can only be considered
suggested approaches to what is actually a series of clinical decisions in the
management of the pain of an individual patient.
During periods of changing analgesic requirements including initial
titration, frequent contact is recommended between physician, other members of
the healthcare team, the patient, and the caregiver/family.
A patient’s daily morphine requirement is established using
immediate-release oral morphine (dosing every 4 to 6 hours). The patient is then
converted to morphine sulfate extended-release tablets in either of two ways: 1)
by administering one-half of the patient’s 24-hour requirement as morphine
sulfate extended-release tablets on an every 12-hour schedule; or, 2) by
administering one-third of the patient’s daily requirement as morphine sulfate
extended-release tablets on an every eight hour schedule. With either method,
dose and dosing interval is then adjusted as needed (see discussion below). The
15 mg tablet should be used for initial conversion for patients whose total
daily requirement is expected to be less than 60 mg. The 30 mg tablet strength
is recommended for patients with a daily morphine requirement of 60 to 120 mg.
When the total daily dose is expected to be greater than 120 mg, the appropriate
combination of tablet strengths should be employed.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets can be administered as
the initial oral morphine drug product; in this case, however, particular care
must be exercised in the conversion process. Because of uncertainty about, and
intersubject variation in, relative estimates of opioid potency and cross
tolerance, initial dosing regimens should be conservative. It is better to
underestimate the 24-hour oral morphine requirement than to overestimate. To
this end, initial individual doses of morphine sulfate extended-release tablets
should be estimated conservatively. In patients whose daily morphine
requirements are expected to be less than or equal to 120 mg per day, the 30 mg
tablet strength is recommended for the initial titration period. Once a stable
dose regimen is reached, the patient can be converted to the 60 mg or 100 mg
tablet strength, or an appropriate combination of tablet strengths, if
desired.
Estimates of the relative potency of opioids are only approximate and are
influenced by route of administration, individual patient differences, and
possibly, by an individual’s medical condition. Consequently, it is difficult to
recommend any fixed rule for converting a patient to morphine sulfate
extended-release tablets directly. The following general points should be
considered, however.
Physicians are advised to refer to published relative potency data, keeping
in mind that such ratios are only approximate. In general, it is safer to
underestimate the daily dose of morphine sulfate extended-release tablets
required and rely upon ad hoc supplementation to deal with inadequate analgesia.
(See discussion which follows.)
There has been no systematic evaluation of morphine sulfate
extended-release tablets as an initial opioid analgesic in the management of
pain. Because it may be more difficult to titrate a patient using
extended-release morphine, it is ordinarily advisable to begin treatment using
an immediate-release formulation (see Special Instructions for Morphine Sulfate
Extended-Release 100 mg and 200 mg Tablets).
Whatever the approach, if signs of excessive opioid effects are
observed early in a dosing interval, the next dose should be reduced. If this
adjustment leads to inadequate analgesia, that is, “breakthrough” pain occurs
late in the dosing interval, the dosing interval may be shortened.
Alternatively, a supplemental dose of a short-acting analgesic may be given. As
experience is gained, adjustments can be made to obtain an appropriate balance
between pain relief, opioid side effects, and the convenience of the dosing
schedule.
In adjusting dosing requirements, it is recommended that the dosing interval
never be extended beyond 12 hours because the administration of very large
single doses may lead to acute overdose. (Morphine sulfate extended-release
tablets are an extended-release formulation; it does not release morphine
continuously over the dosing interval.)
For patients with low daily morphine requirements, the 15 mg tablet should be
used.
Morphine sulfate extended-release 100 mg and 200
mg tablets are for use only in opioid-tolerant patients requiring daily morphine
equivalent dosages of 200 mg or more for the 100 mg tablet and 400 mg or more
for the 200 mg tablet. It is recommended that these strengths be reserved for
patients that have already been titrated to a stable analgesic regimen using
lower strengths of morphine sulfate extended-release tablets or other
opioids.
Most patients given around-the-clock therapy with
extended-release opioids may need to have immediate-release medication available
for exacerbations of pain or to prevent pain that occurs predictably during
certain patient activities (including incident pain).
The intent of the titration period is to establish a
patient-specific daily dose that will provide adequate analgesia with acceptable
side effects and minimal rescue doses (2 or less) for as long as pain relief is
necessary. Should pain recur, the dose can be increased to re-establish pain
control as outlined above. During chronic, around-the-clock opioid therapy,
especially for non-cancer pain syndromes, the continued need for
around-the-clock opioid therapy should be reassessed periodically (e.g. every 6
to 12 months) as appropriate.
When the patient no longer requires therapy with
morphine sulfate extended-release tablets, doses should be tapered gradually to
prevent signs and symptoms of withdrawal in the physically dependent
patient.
When converting a patient from morphine sulfate extended-release
tablets to parenteral opioids, it is best to assume that the parenteral to oral
potency is high. NOTE THAT THIS IS THE CONVERSE OF THE STRATEGY USED WHEN THE
DIRECTION OF CONVERSION IS FROM THE PARENTERAL TO ORAL FORMULATIONS. IN BOTH
CASES, HOWEVER, THE AIM IS TO ESTIMATE THE NEW DOSE CONSERVATIVELY. For example,
to estimate the required 24-hour dose of morphine for IM use, one could employ a
conversion of 1 mg of morphine IM for every 6 mg of morphine as morphine sulfate
extended-release tablets. The IM 24-hour dose would have to be divided by six
and administered on a q4h regimen. This approach is recommended because it is
least likely to cause overdose.
What interacts with Morphine Sulfate Extended Release?
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to morphine or in any situation where opioids are contraindicated. This includes patients with respiratory depression (in the absence of resuscitative equipment or in unmonitored settings), and in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma or hypercarbia.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are contraindicated in any patient who has or is suspected of having a paralytic ileus.
What are the warnings of Morphine Sulfate Extended Release?
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What are the precautions of Morphine Sulfate Extended Release?
Special Precautions Regarding Morphine Sulfate
Extended-Release 100 mg and 200 mg Tablets
Morphine sulfate extended-release 100 mg and 200 mg tablets
are for use only in opioid-tolerant patients requiring daily morphine equivalent
dosages of 200 mg or more for the 100 mg tablet and 400 mg or more for the 200
mg tablet. Care should be taken in its prescription and patients should be
instructed against use by individuals other than the patient for whom it was
prescribed, as this may have severe medical consequences for that
individual.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are an extended-release
oral formulation of morphine sulfate indicated for the management of moderate to
severe pain when a continuous, around-the-clock analgesic is needed for an
extended period of time. Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets do not
release morphine continuously over the course of a dosing interval. The
administration of single doses of morphine sulfate extended-release tablets on a
q12h dosing schedule will result in higher peak and lower trough plasma levels
than those that occur when an identical daily dose of morphine is administered
using conventional oral formulations on a q4h regimen. The clinical significance
of greater fluctuations in morphine plasma level has not been systematically
evaluated.
Selection of patients for treatment with morphine sulfate extended-release
tablets should be governed by the same principles that apply to the use of
morphine or other potent opioid analgesics. Specifically, the increased risks
associated with its use in the following populations should be considered: the
elderly or debilitated and those with severe impairment of hepatic, pulmonary,
or renal function; myxedema or hypothyroidism; adrenocortical insufficiency
(e.g., Addison’s Disease); CNS depression or coma; toxic psychosis; prostatic
hypertrophy or urethral stricture; acute alcoholism; delirium tremens;
kyphoscoliosis; or inability to swallow.
The administration of morphine, like all opioid analgesics, may obscure the
diagnosis or clinical course in patients with acute abdominal conditions.
Morphine may aggravate convulsions in patients with convulsive disorders, and
all opioids may induce or aggravate seizures in some clinical settings.
Agonist/antagonist analgesics (i.e., pentazocine, nalbuphine, and
butorphanol) should be administered with caution to a patient who has received
or is receiving a course of therapy with a pure opioid agonist analgesic such as
morphine sulfate. In this situation, mixed agonist/antagonist analgesics may
reduce the analgesic effect of morphine sulfate and/or may precipitate
withdrawal symptoms in these patients.
Morphine should be used with caution in patients about to undergo
surgery of the biliary tract since it may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi.
Similarly, morphine should be used with caution in patients with acute
pancreatitis secondary to biliary tract disease.
Tolerance is a state of adaptation in which exposure to a drug
induces changes that result in a diminution of one or more of the drug’s effects
over time. Tolerance may occur to both the desired and undesired effects of
drugs, and may develop at different rates for different effects.
Physical dependence is a state of adaptation that is manifested
by an opioid specific withdrawal syndrome that can be produced by abrupt
cessation, rapid dose reduction, decreasing blood level of the drug, and/or
administration of an antagonist.
The opioid abstinence or withdrawal syndrome is characterized by some or all
of the following: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, yawning, perspiration,
chills, piloerection, myalgia, mydriasis, irritability, anxiety, backache, joint
pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, anorexia, vomiting,
diarrhea, or increased blood pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate.
In general, opioids should not be abruptly discontinued.
If clinically advisable, patients receiving morphine sulfate
extended-release tablets or their caregivers should be given the following
information by the physician, nurse, or pharmacist:
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are opioids with no
approved use in the management of addiction disorders. Its proper usage in
individuals with drug or alcohol dependence, either active or in remission, is
for the management of pain requiring opioid analgesia.
The concomitant use of other central nervous system depressants
including sedatives or hypnotics, general anesthetics, phenothiazines,
tranquilizers, and alcohol may produce additive depressant effects. Respiratory
depression, hypotension, and profound sedation or coma may occur. When such
combined therapy is contemplated, the dose of one or both agents should be
reduced. Opioid analgesics, including morphine sulfate extended-release tablets,
may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and
produce an increased degree of respiratory depression.
Studies of morphine sulfate in animals to evaluate the drug’s
carcinogenic and mutagenic potential or the effect on fertility have not been
conducted.
Adequate animal studies on reproduction have not been performed
to determine whether morphine affects fertility in males or females. There are
no well-controlled studies in women, but marketing experience does not include
any evidence of adverse effects on the fetus following routine (short-term)
clinical use of morphine sulfate products. Although there is no clearly defined
risk, such experience cannot exclude the possibility of infrequent or subtle
damage to the human fetus.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets should be used in pregnant women
only if the need for strong opioid analgesia clearly outweighs the potential
risk to the fetus.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are not recommended for
use in women during and immediately prior to labor. Occasionally, opioid
analgesics may prolong labor through actions which temporarily reduce the
strength, duration, and frequency of uterine contractions. However, this effect
is not consistent and may be offset by an increased rate of cervical dilatation
which tends to shorten labor.
Neonates whose mothers received opioid analgesics during labor should be
observed closely for signs of respiratory depression. A specific narcotic
antagonist, naloxone, should be available for reversal of narcotic-induced
respiratory depression in the neonate.
Chronic maternal use of opioids during pregnancy can affect the
fetus with subsequent withdrawal symptoms. Neonatal withdrawal syndrome presents
as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, abnormal crying,
tremor, vomiting, diarrhea and subsequent weight loss or failure to gain weight,
and may result in death. The onset, duration and severity of neonatal withdrawal
syndrome varies based on the drug used, duration of use, and the dose of last
maternal use, and rate of elimination by the newborn. Use standard care as
medically appropriate.
Low levels of morphine have been detected in the breast milk.
Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breast-feeding infants when maternal
administration of morphine sulfate is stopped. Ordinarily, nursing should not be
undertaken while a patient is receiving morphine sulfate extended-release
tablets since morphine may be excreted in the milk.
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients
have not been established.Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are not
to be chewed, crushed, dissolved, or divided for administration.
Clinical studies of morphine sulfate extended-release tablets did
not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether
they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical
experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and
younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be
cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the
greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of
concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
- Patients should be advised that morphine sulfate extended-release tablets contain morphine and should be taken only as directed.
- Patients should be advised that morphine sulfate extended-release tablets were designed to work properly only if swallowed whole. Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets will release all of their morphine if split, divided, broken, chewed, dissolved, or crushed resulting in the risk of a fatal overdose.
- Patients should be advised not to change the dose of morphine sulfate extended-release tablets without consulting their physician.
- Patients should be advised to report episodes of breakthrough pain and adverse experiences occurring during therapy. Individualization of dosage is essential to make optimal use of this medication.
- Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets may impair mental and/or physical ability required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks (e.g., driving, operating machinery). Patients started on morphine sulfate extended-release tablets or whose dose has been changed should refrain from dangerous activity until it is established that they are not adversely affected.
- Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets should not be taken with alcohol or other CNS depressants (sleep aids, tranquilizers) except by the orders of the prescribing physician because dangerous additive effects may occur resulting in serious injury or death.
- Women of childbearing potential who become or are planning to become pregnant should be advised to consult their physician regarding the effects of analgesics and other drug use during pregnancy on themselves and their unborn child.
- Patients should be advised that if they have been receiving treatment with morphine sulfate extended-release tablets for more than a few weeks and cessation of therapy is indicated, it may be appropriate to taper the morphine sulfate extended-release tablets dose, rather than abruptly discontinue it, due to the risk of precipitating withdrawal symptoms. Their physician can provide a dose schedule to accomplish a gradual discontinuation of the medication.
- Morphine sulfate extended-release 100 mg and 200 mg tablets are for use only in opioid-tolerant patients requiring daily morphine equivalent dosages of 200 mg or more for the 100 mg tablet and 400 mg or more for the 200 mg tablet. Special care must be taken to avoid accidental ingestion or the use by individuals (including children) other than the patient for whom it was originally prescribed, as such unsupervised use may have severe, even fatal, consequences.
- Patients should be advised that morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are a potential drug of abuse. They should protect it from theft, and it should never be given to anyone other than the individual for whom it was prescribed.
- Patients should be advised that they may pass empty matrix "ghosts" (tablets) via colostomy or in the stool, and that this is of no concern since the active medication has already been absorbed.
- Patients should be instructed to keep morphine sulfate extended-release tablets in a secure place out of the reach of children. When morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are no longer needed, the unused tablets should be destroyed by flushing down the toilet.
What are the side effects of Morphine Sulfate Extended Release?
The adverse reactions caused by morphine are essentially those
observed with other opioid analgesics. They include the following major hazards:
respiratory depression, apnea, and to a lesser degree, circulatory depression,
respiratory arrest, shock, and cardiac arrest.
Constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea,
vomiting, sweating, dysphoria, and euphoria.
Some of these effects seem to be more prominent in ambulatory patients and in
those not experiencing severe pain. Some adverse reactions in ambulatory
patients may be alleviated if the patient lies down.
Central Nervous System
Gastrointestinal
Cardiovascular
Genitourinary
Dermatologic
Other
What should I look out for while using Morphine Sulfate Extended Release?
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are contraindicated in
patients with known hypersensitivity to morphine or in any situation where
opioids are contraindicated. This includes patients with respiratory depression
(in the absence of resuscitative equipment or in unmonitored settings), and in
patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma or hypercarbia.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are contraindicated in any patient
who has or is suspected of having a paralytic ileus.
(see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY)
MORPHINE SULFATE EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS ARE TO BE
SWALLOWED WHOLE AND ARE NOT TO BE BROKEN, CHEWED, DISSOLVED, OR CRUSHED. TAKING
BROKEN, CHEWED, DISSOLVED, OR CRUSHED MORPHINE SULFATE EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS
LEADS TO RAPID RELEASE AND ABSORPTION OF A POTENTIALLY FATAL DOSE OF
MORPHINE.
Morphine sulfate extended-release 100 mg AND 200 mg tablets
ARE FOR USE IN OPIOID-TOLERANT PATIENTS ONLY. These tablet strengths may cause
fatal respiratory depression when administered to patients not previously
exposed to opioids.
Morphine sulfate extended-release 100 mg AND 200 mg tablets
are for use only in opioid-tolerant patients requiring daily morphine equivalent
dosages of 200 mg or more for the 100 mg tablet and 400 mg or more for the 200
mg tablet. Care should be taken in the prescribing of these tablet strengths.
Patients should be instructed against use by individuals other than the patient
for whom it was prescribed, as such inappropriate use may have severe medical
consequences, including death.
Morphine is an opioid agonist and a Schedule II controlled
substance. Such drugs are sought by drug abusers and people with addiction
disorders and are subject to criminal diversion.
Morphine can be abused in a manner similar to other opioid agonists, legal or
illicit. This should be considered when prescribing or dispensing morphine
sulfate extended-release tablets in situations where the physician or pharmacist
is concerned about an increased risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets can be abused by crushing, chewing,
snorting or injecting the dissolved product. These practices will result in the
uncontrolled delivery of the opioid and pose a significant risk to the abuser
that could result in overdose and death.
Concerns about abuse, addiction, and diversion should not prevent the proper
management of pain.
Healthcare professionals should contact their State Professional Licensing
Board or State Controlled Substances Authority for information on how to prevent
and detect abuse or diversion of this product.
Morphine may be expected to have additive effects when used in
conjunction with alcohol, other opioids, or illicit drugs that cause central
nervous system depression because respiratory depression, hypotension, and
profound sedation or coma may result.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are
mu-agonist opioids with an abuse liability similar to other opioid agonists and
is a Schedule II controlled substance. Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets
and other opioids used in analgesia, can be abused and are subject to criminal
diversion.
Drug addiction is characterized by compulsive use, use for non-medical
purposes, and continued use despite harm or risk of harm.
Drug addiction is a treatable disease, utilizing a multi-disciplinary
approach, but relapse is common.
“Drug-seeking” behavior is very common in addicts and drug abusers.
Drug-seeking tactics include emergency calls or visits near the end of office
hours, refusal to undergo appropriate examination, testing or referral, repeated
“loss” of prescriptions, tampering with prescriptions and reluctance to provide
prior medical records or contact information for other treating physician(s).
“Doctor shopping” to obtain additional prescriptions is common among drug
abusers and people suffering from untreated addiction.
Abuse and addiction are separate and distinct from physical dependence and
tolerance. Physicians should be aware that addiction may not be accompanied by
concurrent tolerance and symptoms of physical dependence in all addicts. In
addition, abuse of opioids can occur in the absence of true addiction and is
characterized by misuse for non-medical purposes, often in combination with
other psychoactive substances. Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets, like
other opioids, has been diverted for non-medical use. Careful record keeping of
prescribing information, including quantity, frequency, and renewal requests is
strongly advised.
Proper assessment of the patient, proper prescribing practices, periodic
re-evaluation of therapy, and proper dispensing and storage are appropriate
measures that help to limit abuse of opioid drugs.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are intended for
oral use only as an intact tablet. Abuse of the crushed tablet poses a hazard of
overdose and death. This risk is increased with concurrent abuse of alcohol and
other substances. Parenteral abuse in the presence of some excipients such as
talc in the tablets can be expected to result in local tissue necrosis,
infection, pulmonary granulomas, and increased risk of endocarditis and valvular
heart injury. Parenteral drug abuse is commonly associated with transmission of
infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV.
Respiratory depression is the chief hazard of all morphine
preparations. Respiratory depression occurs most frequently in the elderly and
debilitated patients as well as in those suffering from conditions accompanied
by hypoxia or hypercapnia when even moderate therapeutic doses may dangerously
decrease pulmonary ventilation.
Morphine should be used with extreme caution in patients with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and in patients having a
substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or
pre-existing respiratory depression. In such patients, even usual therapeutic
doses of morphine may decrease respiratory drive while simultaneously increasing
airway resistance to the point of apnea.
The respiratory depressant effects of morphine with carbon
dioxide retention and secondary elevation of cerebrospinal fluid pressure may be
markedly exaggerated in the presence of head injury, other intracranial lesions,
or pre-existing increase in intracranial pressure. Morphine produces effects
which may obscure neurologic signs of further increases in pressure in patients
with head injuries.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets, like all opioid
analgesics, may cause severe hypotension in an individual whose ability to
maintain his blood pressure has already been compromised by a depleted blood
volume, or a concurrent administration of drugs such as phenothiazines or
general anesthetics. Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets may produce
orthostatic hypotension in ambulatory patients.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets, like all opioid analgesics, should
be administered with caution to patients in circulatory shock, since
vasodilation produced by the drug may further reduce cardiac output and blood
pressure.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets, like all opioid
analgesics, should be used with great caution and in reduced dosage in patients
who are concurrently receiving other central nervous system depressants
including sedatives or hypnotics, general anesthetics, phenothiazines, other
tranquilizers, and alcohol because respiratory depression, hypotension, and
profound sedation or coma may result.
Although extremely rare, cases of anaphylaxis have been
reported.
What might happen if I take too much Morphine Sulfate Extended Release?
Acute overdosage with morphine can be manifested by respiratory
depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle
flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, rhabdomyolysis progressing
to renal failure, and sometimes, bradycardia, hypotension and death.
The nature of the extended-release morphine should also be taken into account
when treating the overdose. Even in the face of improvement, continued medical
monitoring is required because of the possibility of extended effects. Deaths
due to overdose may occur with abuse and misuse of morphine sulfate
extended-release tablets.
In the treatment of morphine overdosage, primary attention should be given to
the re-establishment of a patent airway and institution of assisted or
controlled ventilation. Supportive measures (including oxygen, vasopressors)
should be employed in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema
accompanying overdose as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias may require
cardiac massage or defibrillation.
The pure opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, are specific antidotes against
respiratory depression which results from opioid overdose. Naloxone should be
administered intravenously; however, because its duration of action is
relatively short, the patient must be carefully monitored until spontaneous
respiration is reliably re-established. If the response to naloxone is
suboptimal or not sustained, additional naloxone may be administered, as needed,
or given by continuous infusion to maintain alertness and respiratory function;
however, there is no information available about the cumulative dose of naloxone
that may be safely administered.
Opioid antagonists should not be administered in the absence of clinically
significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to morphine
overdose. Such agents should be administered cautiously to persons who are
known, or suspected to be physically dependent on morphine sulfate
extended-release tablets. In such cases, an abrupt or complete reversal of
opioid effects may precipitate an acute abstinence syndrome.
How should I store and handle Morphine Sulfate Extended Release?
GEODON Capsules should be stored at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15–30°C (59–86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].Morphine sulfate extended-release 30 mg Tablets are available as follows: NDC NBR. TABLETS PER BOTTLE--------------- -------------------------------------63629-3279-1 90 63629-3279-2 30 63629-3279-3 6063629-3279-4 56 63629-3279-5 100 63629-3279-6 28 Storage:Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.CAUTIONDEA Order Form Required.Manufactured By:Mallinckrodt Inc.,Hazelwood, MO 63042 USA. Distributed By: Bryant Ranch Prepack12623 Sherman Way North Hollywood, CA 91605Voice (877) 885-0882 Fax (877) 277-7552 Morphine sulfate extended-release 30 mg Tablets are available as follows: NDC NBR. TABLETS PER BOTTLE--------------- -------------------------------------63629-3279-1 90 63629-3279-2 30 63629-3279-3 6063629-3279-4 56 63629-3279-5 100 63629-3279-6 28 Storage:Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.CAUTIONDEA Order Form Required.Manufactured By:Mallinckrodt Inc.,Hazelwood, MO 63042 USA. Distributed By: Bryant Ranch Prepack12623 Sherman Way North Hollywood, CA 91605Voice (877) 885-0882 Fax (877) 277-7552 Morphine sulfate extended-release 30 mg Tablets are available as follows: NDC NBR. TABLETS PER BOTTLE--------------- -------------------------------------63629-3279-1 90 63629-3279-2 30 63629-3279-3 6063629-3279-4 56 63629-3279-5 100 63629-3279-6 28 Storage:Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.CAUTIONDEA Order Form Required.Manufactured By:Mallinckrodt Inc.,Hazelwood, MO 63042 USA. Distributed By: Bryant Ranch Prepack12623 Sherman Way North Hollywood, CA 91605Voice (877) 885-0882 Fax (877) 277-7552 Morphine sulfate extended-release 30 mg Tablets are available as follows: NDC NBR. TABLETS PER BOTTLE--------------- -------------------------------------63629-3279-1 90 63629-3279-2 30 63629-3279-3 6063629-3279-4 56 63629-3279-5 100 63629-3279-6 28 Storage:Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.CAUTIONDEA Order Form Required.Manufactured By:Mallinckrodt Inc.,Hazelwood, MO 63042 USA. Distributed By: Bryant Ranch Prepack12623 Sherman Way North Hollywood, CA 91605Voice (877) 885-0882 Fax (877) 277-7552 Morphine sulfate extended-release 30 mg Tablets are available as follows: NDC NBR. TABLETS PER BOTTLE--------------- -------------------------------------63629-3279-1 90 63629-3279-2 30 63629-3279-3 6063629-3279-4 56 63629-3279-5 100 63629-3279-6 28 Storage:Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.CAUTIONDEA Order Form Required.Manufactured By:Mallinckrodt Inc.,Hazelwood, MO 63042 USA. Distributed By: Bryant Ranch Prepack12623 Sherman Way North Hollywood, CA 91605Voice (877) 885-0882 Fax (877) 277-7552 Morphine sulfate extended-release 30 mg Tablets are available as follows: NDC NBR. TABLETS PER BOTTLE--------------- -------------------------------------63629-3279-1 90 63629-3279-2 30 63629-3279-3 6063629-3279-4 56 63629-3279-5 100 63629-3279-6 28 Storage:Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.CAUTIONDEA Order Form Required.Manufactured By:Mallinckrodt Inc.,Hazelwood, MO 63042 USA. Distributed By: Bryant Ranch Prepack12623 Sherman Way North Hollywood, CA 91605Voice (877) 885-0882 Fax (877) 277-7552 Morphine sulfate extended-release 30 mg Tablets are available as follows: NDC NBR. TABLETS PER BOTTLE--------------- -------------------------------------63629-3279-1 90 63629-3279-2 30 63629-3279-3 6063629-3279-4 56 63629-3279-5 100 63629-3279-6 28 Storage:Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.CAUTIONDEA Order Form Required.Manufactured By:Mallinckrodt Inc.,Hazelwood, MO 63042 USA. Distributed By: Bryant Ranch Prepack12623 Sherman Way North Hollywood, CA 91605Voice (877) 885-0882 Fax (877) 277-7552
Clinical Information
Chemical Structure
No Image foundClinical Pharmacology
Morphine is a pure opioid agonist whose principal
therapeutic action is analgesia. Other members of the class known as opioid
agonists include substances such as oxycodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl, codeine,
and hydrocodone. Pharmacological effects of opioid agonists include anxiolysis,
euphoria, feelings of relaxation, respiratory depression, constipation, miosis,
cough suppression, and analgesia. Like all pure opioid agonist analgesics, with
increasing doses there is increasing analgesia, unlike with mixed
agonist/antagonists or non-opioid analgesics, where there is a limit to the
analgesic effect with increasing doses. With pure opioid agonist analgesics,
there is no defined maximum dose; the ceiling to analgesic effectiveness is
imposed only by side effects, the more serious which may include somnolence and
respiratory depression.
The principal actions of therapeutic value of morphine are
analgesia and sedation (i.e., sleepiness and anxiolysis).
The precise mechanism of the analgesic action is unknown. However, specific
CNS opiate receptors for endogenous compounds with opioid-like activity have
been identified throughout the brain and spinal cord and are likely to play a
role in the expression of analgesic effects.
Morphine produces respiratory depression by direct action on brain stem
respiratory centers. The mechanism of respiratory depression involves a
reduction in the responsiveness of the brain stem respiratory centers to
increases in carbon dioxide tension, and to electrical stimulation.
Morphine depresses the cough reflex by direct effect on the cough center in
the medulla. Antitussive effects may occur with doses lower than those usually
required for analgesia. Morphine causes miosis, even in total darkness. Pinpoint
pupils are a sign of narcotic overdose but are not pathognomonic (e.g., pontine
lesions of hemorrhagic or ischemic origins may produce similar findings). Marked
mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with worsening hypoxia.
Morphine causes a reduction in motility associated with an
increase in smooth muscle tone in the antrum of the stomach and in the duodenum.
Digestion of food is delayed in the small intestine and propulsive contractions
are decreased. Propulsive peristaltic waves in the colon are decreased, while
tone may be increased to the point of spasm resulting in constipation. Other
opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in gastric, biliary and
pancreatic secretions, spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, and transient elevations
in serum amylase.
Morphine produces peripheral vasodilation which may result in
orthostatic hypotension. Release of histamine can occur and may contribute to
opioid-induced hypotension. Manifestations of histamine release and/or
peripheral vasodilation may include pruritus, flushing, red eyes, and
sweating.
Opioids have been shown to have a variety of effects on the
secretion of hormones. Opioids inhibit the secretion of ACTH, cortisol, and
luteinizing hormone (LH) in humans. They also stimulate prolactin, growth
hormone (GH) secretion, and pancreatic secretion of insulin and glucagons in
humans and other species, rats and dogs. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) has
been shown to be both inhibited and stimulated by opioids.
Opioids have been shown to have a variety of effects on
components of the immune system in in vitro and animal models. The clinical
significance of these findings is unknown.
As with all opioids, the minimum effective plasma concentration
for analgesia varies widely among patients, especially among patients who have
been previously treated with potent agonist opioids. As a result, patients must
be treated with individualized titration of dosage to the desired effect. The
minimum effective analgesic concentration of morphine for any individual patient
may increase over time due to an increase in pain, the development of new pain
syndrome and/or the development of analgesic tolerance.
In any particular patient, both analgesic effects and plasma
morphine concentrations are related to the morphine dose. In non-tolerant
individuals, plasma morphine concentration-efficacy relationships have been
demonstrated and suggest that opiate receptors occupy effector compartments,
leading to a lag-time, or hysteresis, between rapid changes in plasma morphine
concentrations and the effects of such changes. The most direct and predictable
concentration-effect relationships can, therefore, be expected at distribution
equilibrium and/or steady-state conditions.
While plasma morphine-efficacy relationships can be demonstrated in
non-tolerant individuals, they are influenced by a wide variety of factors and
are not generally useful as a guide to the clinical use of morphine. The
effective dose in opioid-tolerant patients may be significantly greater than the
appropriate dose for opioid-naive individuals. Dosages of morphine should be
chosen and must be titrated on the basis of clinical evaluation of the patient
and the balance between therapeutic and adverse effects.
For any fixed dose and dosing interval, morphine sulfate extended-release
tablets will have at steady-state, a lower C and a
higher C than conventional morphine.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are associated with
typical opioid-related adverse experiences. There is a general relationship
between increasing morphine plasma concentration and increasing frequency of
dose-related opioid adverse experiences such as nausea, vomiting, CNS effects,
and respiratory depression. In opioid-tolerant patients, the situation is
altered by the development of tolerance to opioid-related side effects, and the
relationship is not clinically relevant.
As with all opioids, the dose must be individualized (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION), because the effective
analgesic dose for some patients will be too high to be tolerated by other
patients.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are extended-release
tablets containing morphine sulfate. Morphine is released from morphine sulfate
extended-release tablets somewhat more slowly than from conventional oral
preparations. Following oral administration of a given dose of morphine, the
amount ultimately absorbed is essentially the same whether the source is
morphine sulfate extended-release tablets or a conventional formulation. Because
of pre-systemic elimination (i.e., metabolism in the gut wall and liver) only
about 40% of the administered dose reaches the central compartment.
Variation in the physical/mechanical properties of a formulation of an oral
morphine drug product can affect both its absolute bioavailability and its
absorption rate constant (k). The formulation employed
in morphine sulfate extended-release tablets has not been shown to affect
morphine’s oral bioavailability, but does decrease its apparent k. Other basic pharmacokinetic parameters (e.g., volume of
distribution [Vd], elimination rate constant [k],
clearance [Cl]), are unchanged as they are fundamental properties of morphine in
the organism. However, in chronic use, the possibility that shifts in metabolite
to parent drug ratios may occur cannot be excluded.
When immediate-release oral morphine or morphine sulfate extended-release
tablets are given on a fixed dosing regimen, steady-state is achieved in about a
day.
For a given dose and dosing interval, the AUC and average blood concentration
of morphine at steady-state (C) will be independent of
the specific type of oral formulation administered so long as the formulations
have the same absolute bioavailability. The absorption rate of a formulation
will, however, affect the maximum (C) and minimum
(C) blood levels and the times of their occurrence.
Following the administration of conventional oral morphine
products, approximately fifty percent of the morphine that will reach the
central compartment intact reaches it within 30 minutes. Following the
administration of an equal amount of morphine sulfate extended-release tablets
to normal volunteers, however, this extent of absorption occurs, on average,
after 1.5 hours.
The possible effect of food upon the systemic bioavailability of
morphine sulfate extended-release tablets has not been systematically evaluated
for all strengths. One study, conducted with the 30 mg morphine sulfate
extended-release tablets, showed no significant differences in C and AUC values, whether the
tablet was taken while fasting or with a high-fat breakfast.
The volume of distribution (Vd) for morphine is approximately 4
liters per kilogram. Once absorbed, morphine is distributed to skeletal muscle,
kidneys, liver, intestinal tract, lungs, spleen, and brain. Morphine also
crosses the placental membranes and has been found in breast milk.
Although a small fraction (less than 5%) of morphine is
demethylated, for all practical purposes, virtually all morphine is converted to
the 3- and 6- (M3G and M6G) glucuronide metabolites. M3G is present in the
highest plasma concentration following oral administration and possesses no
significant analgesic activity. M6G, while possessing analgesic activity, is
present in the plasma in low concentrations.
The elimination of morphine occurs primarily as renal excretion
of morphine-3-glucuronide and its terminal elimination half-life after
intravenous administration is normally 2 to 4 hours. In some studies involving
longer periods of plasma sampling, a longer terminal half-life of about 15 hours
was reported. A small amount of the glucuronide conjugate is excreted in the
bile, and there is some minor enterohepatic recycling. As with any drug, caution
should be taken to guard against unanticipated accumulation if renal and/or
hepatic function is seriously impaired.
Morphine pharmacokinetics are altered in patients with renal
failure. Clearance is decreased and the metabolites, M3G and M6G, may accumulate
to much higher plasma levels in these patients as compared to patients with
normal renal function.
Known drug-drug interactions involving morphine are
pharmacodynamic not pharmacokinetic.
Non-Clinical Toxicology
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to morphine or in any situation where opioids are contraindicated. This includes patients with respiratory depression (in the absence of resuscitative equipment or in unmonitored settings), and in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma or hypercarbia.Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are contraindicated in any patient who has or is suspected of having a paralytic ileus.
(see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY)
MORPHINE SULFATE EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS ARE TO BE SWALLOWED WHOLE AND ARE NOT TO BE BROKEN, CHEWED, DISSOLVED, OR CRUSHED. TAKING BROKEN, CHEWED, DISSOLVED, OR CRUSHED MORPHINE SULFATE EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS LEADS TO RAPID RELEASE AND ABSORPTION OF A POTENTIALLY FATAL DOSE OF MORPHINE.
Morphine sulfate extended-release 100 mg AND 200 mg tablets ARE FOR USE IN OPIOID-TOLERANT PATIENTS ONLY. These tablet strengths may cause fatal respiratory depression when administered to patients not previously exposed to opioids.
Morphine sulfate extended-release 100 mg AND 200 mg tablets are for use only in opioid-tolerant patients requiring daily morphine equivalent dosages of 200 mg or more for the 100 mg tablet and 400 mg or more for the 200 mg tablet. Care should be taken in the prescribing of these tablet strengths. Patients should be instructed against use by individuals other than the patient for whom it was prescribed, as such inappropriate use may have severe medical consequences, including death.
Morphine is an opioid agonist and a Schedule II controlled substance. Such drugs are sought by drug abusers and people with addiction disorders and are subject to criminal diversion.
Morphine can be abused in a manner similar to other opioid agonists, legal or illicit. This should be considered when prescribing or dispensing morphine sulfate extended-release tablets in situations where the physician or pharmacist is concerned about an increased risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets can be abused by crushing, chewing, snorting or injecting the dissolved product. These practices will result in the uncontrolled delivery of the opioid and pose a significant risk to the abuser that could result in overdose and death.
Concerns about abuse, addiction, and diversion should not prevent the proper management of pain.
Healthcare professionals should contact their State Professional Licensing Board or State Controlled Substances Authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product.
Morphine may be expected to have additive effects when used in conjunction with alcohol, other opioids, or illicit drugs that cause central nervous system depression because respiratory depression, hypotension, and profound sedation or coma may result.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are mu-agonist opioids with an abuse liability similar to other opioid agonists and is a Schedule II controlled substance. Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets and other opioids used in analgesia, can be abused and are subject to criminal diversion.
Drug addiction is characterized by compulsive use, use for non-medical purposes, and continued use despite harm or risk of harm.
Drug addiction is a treatable disease, utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach, but relapse is common.
“Drug-seeking” behavior is very common in addicts and drug abusers. Drug-seeking tactics include emergency calls or visits near the end of office hours, refusal to undergo appropriate examination, testing or referral, repeated “loss” of prescriptions, tampering with prescriptions and reluctance to provide prior medical records or contact information for other treating physician(s). “Doctor shopping” to obtain additional prescriptions is common among drug abusers and people suffering from untreated addiction.
Abuse and addiction are separate and distinct from physical dependence and tolerance. Physicians should be aware that addiction may not be accompanied by concurrent tolerance and symptoms of physical dependence in all addicts. In addition, abuse of opioids can occur in the absence of true addiction and is characterized by misuse for non-medical purposes, often in combination with other psychoactive substances. Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets, like other opioids, has been diverted for non-medical use. Careful record keeping of prescribing information, including quantity, frequency, and renewal requests is strongly advised.
Proper assessment of the patient, proper prescribing practices, periodic re-evaluation of therapy, and proper dispensing and storage are appropriate measures that help to limit abuse of opioid drugs.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are intended for oral use only as an intact tablet. Abuse of the crushed tablet poses a hazard of overdose and death. This risk is increased with concurrent abuse of alcohol and other substances. Parenteral abuse in the presence of some excipients such as talc in the tablets can be expected to result in local tissue necrosis, infection, pulmonary granulomas, and increased risk of endocarditis and valvular heart injury. Parenteral drug abuse is commonly associated with transmission of infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV.
Respiratory depression is the chief hazard of all morphine preparations. Respiratory depression occurs most frequently in the elderly and debilitated patients as well as in those suffering from conditions accompanied by hypoxia or hypercapnia when even moderate therapeutic doses may dangerously decrease pulmonary ventilation.
Morphine should be used with extreme caution in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and in patients having a substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or pre-existing respiratory depression. In such patients, even usual therapeutic doses of morphine may decrease respiratory drive while simultaneously increasing airway resistance to the point of apnea.
The respiratory depressant effects of morphine with carbon dioxide retention and secondary elevation of cerebrospinal fluid pressure may be markedly exaggerated in the presence of head injury, other intracranial lesions, or pre-existing increase in intracranial pressure. Morphine produces effects which may obscure neurologic signs of further increases in pressure in patients with head injuries.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets, like all opioid analgesics, may cause severe hypotension in an individual whose ability to maintain his blood pressure has already been compromised by a depleted blood volume, or a concurrent administration of drugs such as phenothiazines or general anesthetics. Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets may produce orthostatic hypotension in ambulatory patients.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets, like all opioid analgesics, should be administered with caution to patients in circulatory shock, since vasodilation produced by the drug may further reduce cardiac output and blood pressure.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets, like all opioid analgesics, should be used with great caution and in reduced dosage in patients who are concurrently receiving other central nervous system depressants including sedatives or hypnotics, general anesthetics, phenothiazines, other tranquilizers, and alcohol because respiratory depression, hypotension, and profound sedation or coma may result.
Although extremely rare, cases of anaphylaxis have been reported.
Erythromycin use in patients who are receiving high doses of theophylline may be associated with an increase in serum theophylline levels and potential theophylline toxicity. In case of theophylline toxicity and/or elevated serum theophylline levels, the dose of theophylline should be reduced while the patient is receiving concomitant erythromycin therapy.
Concomitant administration of erythromycin and digoxin has been reported to result in elevated digoxin serum levels.
There have been reports of increased anticoagulant effects when erythromycin and oral anticoagulants were used concomitantly. Increased anticoagulation effects due to interactions of erythromycin with oral anticoagulants may be more pronounced in the elderly.
Erythromycin is a substrate and inhibitor of the 3A isoform subfamily of the cytochrome p450 enzyme system (CYP3A). Coadministration of erythromycin and a drug primarily metabolized by CYP3A may be associated with elevations in drug concentrations that could increase or prolong both the therapeutic and adverse effects of the concomitant drug. Dosage adjustments may be considered, and when possible, serum concentrations of drugs primarily metabolized by CYP3A should be monitored closely in patients concurrently receiving erythromycin.
The following are examples of some clinically significant CYP3A based drug interactions. Interactions with other drugs metabolized by the CYP3A isoform are also possible. The following CYP3A based drug interactions have been observed with erythromycin products in post-marketing experience:
Special Precautions Regarding Morphine Sulfate Extended-Release 100 mg and 200 mg Tablets
Morphine sulfate extended-release 100 mg and 200 mg tablets are for use only in opioid-tolerant patients requiring daily morphine equivalent dosages of 200 mg or more for the 100 mg tablet and 400 mg or more for the 200 mg tablet. Care should be taken in its prescription and patients should be instructed against use by individuals other than the patient for whom it was prescribed, as this may have severe medical consequences for that individual.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are an extended-release oral formulation of morphine sulfate indicated for the management of moderate to severe pain when a continuous, around-the-clock analgesic is needed for an extended period of time. Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets do not release morphine continuously over the course of a dosing interval. The administration of single doses of morphine sulfate extended-release tablets on a q12h dosing schedule will result in higher peak and lower trough plasma levels than those that occur when an identical daily dose of morphine is administered using conventional oral formulations on a q4h regimen. The clinical significance of greater fluctuations in morphine plasma level has not been systematically evaluated.
Selection of patients for treatment with morphine sulfate extended-release tablets should be governed by the same principles that apply to the use of morphine or other potent opioid analgesics. Specifically, the increased risks associated with its use in the following populations should be considered: the elderly or debilitated and those with severe impairment of hepatic, pulmonary, or renal function; myxedema or hypothyroidism; adrenocortical insufficiency (e.g., Addison’s Disease); CNS depression or coma; toxic psychosis; prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture; acute alcoholism; delirium tremens; kyphoscoliosis; or inability to swallow.
The administration of morphine, like all opioid analgesics, may obscure the diagnosis or clinical course in patients with acute abdominal conditions.
Morphine may aggravate convulsions in patients with convulsive disorders, and all opioids may induce or aggravate seizures in some clinical settings.
Agonist/antagonist analgesics (i.e., pentazocine, nalbuphine, and butorphanol) should be administered with caution to a patient who has received or is receiving a course of therapy with a pure opioid agonist analgesic such as morphine sulfate. In this situation, mixed agonist/antagonist analgesics may reduce the analgesic effect of morphine sulfate and/or may precipitate withdrawal symptoms in these patients.
Morphine should be used with caution in patients about to undergo surgery of the biliary tract since it may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi. Similarly, morphine should be used with caution in patients with acute pancreatitis secondary to biliary tract disease.
Tolerance is a state of adaptation in which exposure to a drug induces changes that result in a diminution of one or more of the drug’s effects over time. Tolerance may occur to both the desired and undesired effects of drugs, and may develop at different rates for different effects.
Physical dependence is a state of adaptation that is manifested by an opioid specific withdrawal syndrome that can be produced by abrupt cessation, rapid dose reduction, decreasing blood level of the drug, and/or administration of an antagonist.
The opioid abstinence or withdrawal syndrome is characterized by some or all of the following: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, yawning, perspiration, chills, piloerection, myalgia, mydriasis, irritability, anxiety, backache, joint pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or increased blood pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate.
In general, opioids should not be abruptly discontinued.
If clinically advisable, patients receiving morphine sulfate extended-release tablets or their caregivers should be given the following information by the physician, nurse, or pharmacist:
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are opioids with no approved use in the management of addiction disorders. Its proper usage in individuals with drug or alcohol dependence, either active or in remission, is for the management of pain requiring opioid analgesia.
The concomitant use of other central nervous system depressants including sedatives or hypnotics, general anesthetics, phenothiazines, tranquilizers, and alcohol may produce additive depressant effects. Respiratory depression, hypotension, and profound sedation or coma may occur. When such combined therapy is contemplated, the dose of one or both agents should be reduced. Opioid analgesics, including morphine sulfate extended-release tablets, may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression.
Studies of morphine sulfate in animals to evaluate the drug’s carcinogenic and mutagenic potential or the effect on fertility have not been conducted.
Adequate animal studies on reproduction have not been performed to determine whether morphine affects fertility in males or females. There are no well-controlled studies in women, but marketing experience does not include any evidence of adverse effects on the fetus following routine (short-term) clinical use of morphine sulfate products. Although there is no clearly defined risk, such experience cannot exclude the possibility of infrequent or subtle damage to the human fetus.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets should be used in pregnant women only if the need for strong opioid analgesia clearly outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are not recommended for use in women during and immediately prior to labor. Occasionally, opioid analgesics may prolong labor through actions which temporarily reduce the strength, duration, and frequency of uterine contractions. However, this effect is not consistent and may be offset by an increased rate of cervical dilatation which tends to shorten labor.
Neonates whose mothers received opioid analgesics during labor should be observed closely for signs of respiratory depression. A specific narcotic antagonist, naloxone, should be available for reversal of narcotic-induced respiratory depression in the neonate.
Chronic maternal use of opioids during pregnancy can affect the fetus with subsequent withdrawal symptoms. Neonatal withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, abnormal crying, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea and subsequent weight loss or failure to gain weight, and may result in death. The onset, duration and severity of neonatal withdrawal syndrome varies based on the drug used, duration of use, and the dose of last maternal use, and rate of elimination by the newborn. Use standard care as medically appropriate.
Low levels of morphine have been detected in the breast milk. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breast-feeding infants when maternal administration of morphine sulfate is stopped. Ordinarily, nursing should not be undertaken while a patient is receiving morphine sulfate extended-release tablets since morphine may be excreted in the milk.
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are not to be chewed, crushed, dissolved, or divided for administration.
Clinical studies of morphine sulfate extended-release tablets did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
The adverse reactions caused by morphine are essentially those observed with other opioid analgesics. They include the following major hazards: respiratory depression, apnea, and to a lesser degree, circulatory depression, respiratory arrest, shock, and cardiac arrest.
Constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, sweating, dysphoria, and euphoria.
Some of these effects seem to be more prominent in ambulatory patients and in those not experiencing severe pain. Some adverse reactions in ambulatory patients may be alleviated if the patient lies down.
Central Nervous System
Gastrointestinal
Cardiovascular
Genitourinary
Dermatologic
Other
Reference
This information is obtained from the National Institute of Health's Standard Packaging Label drug database.
"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/"
While we update our database periodically, we cannot guarantee it is always updated to the latest version.
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Clonazepam Description Each single-scored tablet, for oral administration, contains 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg Clonazepam, USP, a benzodiazepine. Each tablet also contains corn starch, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and povidone. Clonazepam tablets USP 0.5 mg contain Yellow D&C No. 10 Aluminum Lake. Clonazepam tablets USP 1 mg contain Yellow D&C No. 10 Aluminum Lake, as well as FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake. Chemically, Clonazepam, USP is 5-(o-chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-7-nitro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one. It is a light yellow crystalline powder. It has the following structural formula: C15H10ClN3O3 M.W. 315.72Tips
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Interactions
Interactions
A total of 440 drugs (1549 brand and generic names) are known to interact with Imbruvica (ibrutinib). 228 major drug interactions (854 brand and generic names) 210 moderate drug interactions (691 brand and generic names) 2 minor drug interactions (4 brand and generic names) Show all medications in the database that may interact with Imbruvica (ibrutinib).