Morphine (Systemic)

Trade Names: Doloral, Kadian, M-Ediat, M-Eslon, MS Contin, Statex

Uses

  • Pain management (acute and chronic pain)
  • Chronic, persistent cough
  • Analgesia and sedation for critically ill patients in the ICU
  • Dyspnea in palliative care patients

Adverse Effects

  • None
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness

Considerations for PT

  1. Consider timing for pain relief prior to Physiotherapy intervention Consider timing for pain relief prior to Physiotherapy intervention

Route of Administration

  1. EpiduralEpidural
  2. IntrathecalIntrathecal
  3. Intravenous (IV)Intravenous (IV)
  4. Oral (Extended Release)
  5. Oral (Immediate Release)
  6. Rectal
  7. SubcutaneousSubcutaneous

Mechanism of Action

Binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, causing:

  • Inhibition of ascending pain pathways
  • Alteration of pain perception
  • Alteration of response to pain
  • Generalized central nervous system depression

Drug Dynamics

Time to Peak Effect

60 minutes to 90 minutes

Duration of Action

12 hours to 24 hours

Time to Onset

20 minutes to 30 minutes

Last updated: April 1, 2026