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Drugs (Morphine)*

Description

Narcotic (nar-KOT-ik) analgesics (an-al-JEE-zicks) are used to relieve pain. Some of these medicines are also used just before or during an operation to help the anesthetic work better. Codeine and hydrocodone are also used to relieve coughing. Methadone is also used to help some people control their dependence on heroin or other narcotics. Narcotic analgesics may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Narcotic analgesics act in the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain. Some of their side effects are also caused by actions in the CNS.

If a narcotic is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence). Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects when you stop taking the medicine.

These medicines are available only with your medical doctor's or dentist's prescription. For some of them, prescriptions cannot be refilled and you must obtain a new prescription from your medical doctor or dentist each time you need the medicine. In addition, other rules and regulations may apply when methadone is used to treat narcotic dependence.

These medicines are available in the following dosage forms:

Oral
Codeine
• Oral solution (U.S. and Canada)
• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Hydrocodone
• Syrup (Canada)
• Tablets (Canada)
Hydromorphone
• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Levorphanol
• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Meperidine
• Syrup (U.S.)
• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Methadone
• Oral concentrate (U.S.)
• Oral solution (U.S.)
• Tablets (U.S.)
• Dispersible tablets (U.S.)
Morphine
• Oral solution (U.S. and Canada)
• Syrup (Canada)
• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Extended-release tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Oxycodone
• Oral solution (U.S.)
• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Pentazocine
• Tablets (Canada)
Pentazocine and Naloxone
• Tablets (U.S.)
Propoxyphene
• Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
• Oral suspension (U.S.)
• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)

Parenteral
Buprenorphine
• Injection (U.S.)
Butorphanol
• Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Codeine
• Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Hydromorphone
• Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Levorphanol
• Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Meperidine
• Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Methadone
• Injection (U.S.)
Morphine
• Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Nalbuphine
• Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Opium
• Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Oxymorphone
• Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Pentazocine
• Injection (U.S. and Canada)

Rectal
Hydromorphone
• Suppositories (U.S. and Canada)
Morphine
• Suppositories (U.S. and Canada)
Oxycodone
• Suppositories (Canada)
Oxymorphone
• Suppositories (U.S. and Canada)

It is very important that you read and understand the following information. If any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor. Also, if you have any questions or if you want more information about this medicine or your medical problem, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

*This information is reproduced from the Mayo Clinic Family Pharmacist v 2.0
Copyright 1994-1995 IVI Publishing Inc.

This information may not be complete and/or up to date.  Please do not use this as any sort of authoritative text for this drug.  Please consult with a physician before taking this or any drug.  This is presented only for reference usage within this site.