Learn about Morphine Rectal from Consumer Reports Health.

Prescription Drugs

contains or is another name for this drug.

Morphine Rectal (mor' feen)

Other names: RMS

Why is this medication prescribed?

Rectal morphine is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Morphine is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the body senses pain.

How should this medication be used?

Rectal morphine comes as a suppository to insert in the rectum. It is usually inserted every 4 hours. Use rectal morphine at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use morphine exactly as directed.

Your doctor may adjust your dose of morphine during your treatment to control your pain as well as possible. If you feel that your pain is not controlled, call your doctor. Do not change the dose of your medication without talking to your doctor.

Morphine may be habit forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.

Do not stop using morphine without talking to your doctor. Your doctor may decrease your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop using morphine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety; sweating; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; chills; shaking of a part of your body that you cannot control; upset stomach; diarrhea; runny nose, sneezing or coughing; hair on your skin standing on end; or hallucinating (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist).

To use the suppositories, follow these steps:

Remove the wrapper.
Dip the tip of the suppository in water.
Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.)
Using your finger, insert the suppository about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) into the rectum.
Hold it in place with your finger for a few moments
Stand up after about 15 minutes. Wash your hands thoroughly and resume normal activities.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Other names

RMS®

Last Revised January 04, 2006

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