What you need to know about morphine suppositories for severe pain

Sometimes we experience severe pain that cannot be controlled with ordinary painkillers. For example, after a major surgery, or due to a medical condition like cancer... In such cases, if you cannot tolerate other painkillers or if the pain is not controlled by them, morphine is a strong painkiller that doctors recommend. Today we will talk about how to give this morphine rectally, that is, as a small needle (suppository) that is placed in the rectum.

Simply put, what is this morphine?

Morphine is a very strong painkiller. To be precise, it belongs to a group of drugs called opioids . It works by blocking pain signals to our brain, controlling the pain we feel. It is usually prescribed only for very severe pain that cannot be controlled by any other painkiller. This medicine can also be used for other medical conditions. If you have any questions about it, you can ask your doctor.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before prescribing morphine to you, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• If you have a brain tumor.
• If you are addicted to drugs or other medications or have a history of addiction.
• Gallbladder disease.
• If there is a head injury.
• Heart disease.
• If you are a regular drinker.
• Kidney or liver disease.
• If the adrenal gland is underactive.
• Lung disease, asthma, or other breathing difficulties.
• Pancreatic disease.
• Difficulty swallowing or seizures.
• Stomach or intestinal problems.
• If you have taken a type of antidepressant called an MAOI (such as Marplan, Nardil, Parnate) within the past 14 days.
• Thyroid disease.
• Difficulty urinating.
• If you have an allergic reaction to morphine or other medicines, foods, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

It is very important to know how to use this correctly.

1. This medicine is for rectal use only . Do not take it orally for any reason.

2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after use.

3. Remove the aluminum foil wrapping around the medicine.

4. Wet the tip of the medicine with plain water. This will make it easier to insert.

5. Lie on your side in bed. Keep your bottom leg straight and bend your top leg toward your stomach.

6. Lift your upper buttocks slightly to expose the anus.

7. Slowly insert the medicine all the way into the rectum, with the pointed end going first.

8. Press your buttocks together for a few seconds.

9. Then, lie down for about 15 minutes. This is to prevent the medicine from coming back out.

10. Do not use more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What if you give this to children?

Special care is needed when giving this medicine to children, so be sure to talk to your doctor about it.

What to do if the dose increases (overdose)?

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of your nearest hospital . This can be life-threatening.

Things to be careful about when taking this medicine

• If your pain doesn't go away: If your pain doesn't go away, gets worse, or you have a new type of pain, tell your doctor. Over time, the pain may no longer be relieved by the same dose that worked before. This is called tolerance. This is normal and is not an addiction.
• Addiction and body adaptation: Your body gets used to this medicine. This does not mean that you are addicted to it. Addiction is the use of a medicine for pleasure without a medical reason. If you are in pain, taking the medicine is a medical necessity. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly. Doing so can cause severe reactions. If the doctor wants to stop the medicine, he will do so by gradually reducing the dose.
• Naloxone: This is a life-saving emergency drug given in the event of an opioid overdose. Ask your doctor about this. Be aware of the symptoms of an overdose (difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness, inability to wake up).
• Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires concentration until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid getting up or sitting down quickly, especially if you are elderly.
• Alcohol: Never take this medication with alcohol. It can change the effects of the medication and cause dangerous side effects.
• Constipation: Constipation is common with this medication. If you are unable to go to the bathroom for more than 3 days, talk to your doctor.

Possible Side Effects

How do you store the medicine?

Because this is a very powerful medicine, it is very important to keep it safe.

• Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. This medicine can be fatal if taken by someone else, especially a child.
• This is a drug that can be misused, so keep it in a place where it can be protected from theft.
• Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Selling or giving it to someone else is a criminal offense and can be very dangerous.
• Store at room temperature (between 15-25 Celsius). Do not freeze.
• Do not remove the medicine from its packaging until it is time to use it.

Morphine, Morphine Suppository, Painkillers, Severe Pain, Opioids, Side Effects, Drug Safety