Morphine side effects

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

List of side effects

Respiratory depression

Cardiovascular Stability

Constipation

Other common effects

Habit forming

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Respiratory depression

The most serious side effect is respiratory depression. Because of delay in maximum CNS effect with intravenously administered drug (30 min), rapid administration may result in overdosing. The depression may be severe and could require intervention. Return to top

Cardiovascular Stability

While low doses of intravenously administered morphine have little effect on cardiovascular stability, high doses are excitatory, resulting from sympathetic hyperactivity and increase in circulating catecholamines. Excitation of the central nervous system, resulting in convulsions, may accompany high doses of morphine given intravenously. Dysphoric reactions may occur after any size dose and toxic psychoses have been reported. Return to top

Constipation

Constipation is frequently encountered during PCA-administration of morphine; this can usually be managed by conventional therapy. Return to top

Other common effects

dizziness, euphoria, anxiety, depression of cough reflex, interference with thermal regulation, and oliguria. Evidence of histamine release such as urticaria, wheals, and/or local tissue irritation may occur. Return to top

Habit forming

Morphine sulfate may be habit forming. Return to top

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The content of this page is taken from the FDA package insert for this drug and should not be edited.