Morphine: uses, side effects & brands

Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed 5 November 2026

Morphine is a strong opioid for severe and cancer pain. It belongs to the Opioid painkiller (strong) group. Opioids relieve moderate-to-severe pain but can cause dependence and slowed breathing, so they are used carefully and usually short-term.

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Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor

Measure	Range
Drug class	Opioid painkiller (strong)
Type	Prescription
Dose	Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist

What it is used for

Severe pain after surgery or injury
Cancer pain and pain at the end of life
Pain of a heart attack (in hospital)
Breathlessness in advanced illness (palliative care)

Common brand names

India: Morcontin, Morphine
Worldwide: MS Contin, Kadian

Common side effects

Constipation
Drowsiness
Nausea or vomiting
Itching

Before taking it — precautions

Never combine with alcohol, sleeping pills or benzodiazepines; breathing can slow dangerously
Tell the doctor about breathing problems, liver or kidney disease, or past addiction
Older people and those with kidney problems are more sensitive; keep out of reach of children

When to see a doctor urgently

Slow or shallow breathing, or very hard to wake (urgent)
Pinpoint pupils with confusion (urgent)
Severe constipation with tummy pain or vomiting

Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of morphine depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.

Frequently asked questions

Will I get addicted to morphine?

Dependence can develop with longer use, but when used for severe or cancer pain under supervision, the benefits usually outweigh this risk.

Why does morphine cause constipation?

Opioids slow the gut. A laxative is usually started at the same time.

Can I stop morphine suddenly?

After regular use, stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal. Your doctor will reduce it gradually.

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Sources & further reading

Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.