Signs of morphine toxicity and overdose are drowsiness, pin-point pupils, skeletal muscle flaccidity, bradycardia, respiratory depression, hypotension, somnolence and central nervous system depression which can progress to stupor or coma. Circulatory failure and deepening coma may occur in more severe cases. Overdose can result in death. Rhabdomyolysis progressing to renal failure has been reported in opioid overdose.
Crushing and taking the contents of a controlled release dosage form leads to the release of the morphine in an immediate fashion; this might result in a fatal overdose.
Treatment of morphine overdose:
Primary attention should be given to the establishment of a patent airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation.
Oral activated charcoal (50 g for adults, 1 g/kg for children) may be considered if a substantial amount has been ingested within one hour, provided the airway can be protected.
The pure opioid antagonists are specific antidotes against the effects of opioid overdose. Other supportive measures should be employed as needed.
In the case of massive overdose, administer naloxone 0.8 mg intravenously. Repeat at 2-3 minute intervals as necessary, or by an infusion of 2 mg in 500 ml of normal saline or 5% dextrose (0.004 mg/ml).
The infusion should be run at a rate related to the previous bolus doses administered and should be in accordance with the patient's response. However, because the duration of action of naloxone is relatively short, the patient must be carefully monitored until spontaneous respiration is reliably re-established. MXL capsules will continue to release and add to the morphine load for up to 24 hours after administration and the management of morphine overdose should be modified accordingly.
For less severe overdose, administer naloxone 0.2 mg intravenously followed by increments of 0.1 mg every 2 minutes if required.
Naloxone should not be administered in the absence of clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to morphine overdose.
Naloxone should be administered cautiously to persons who are known, or suspected, to be physically dependent on morphine. In such cases, an abrupt or complete reversal of opioid effects may precipitate an acute withdrawal syndrome.
2 years
Respiratory depression, head injury, paralytic ileus, acute abdomen, delayed gastric emptying, obstructive airways disease, known morphine sensitivity, acute hepatic disease, concurrent administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within two weeks of discontinuation of their use.
Not recommended during pregnancy or for pre-operative use or for the first 24 hours post-operatively.
Children under one year of age.
Not applicable
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil BP
Macrogol 6000 Ph Eur
Talc Ph Eur
Magnesium Stearate Ph Eur
Capsule shells
Gelatin (containing sodium dodecylsulfate)
The following colours are also present:
30 mg: indigo carmine (E132), titanium dioxide (E171).
60 mg: indigo carmine 9E132), titanium dioxide (E171), iron oxide (E172)
90 mg: erythrosine (E127), titanium dioxide (E171), iron oxide (E172)
120 mg: erythrosine (E127), titanium dioxide (E171), iron oxide (E172)
150mg: erythrosine (E127), indigo carmine (E132), titanium dioxide (E171)
Iron oxide (E172)
200 mg: titanium dioxide (E171), iron oxide (E172).
Printing ink
Shellac
Iron oxide, black (E172)
Propylene glycol
Capsules, prolonged release.
Hard gelatin capsules containing white to off white multiparticulates
MXL capsules 30 mg are size 4, light blue, marked MS OD30.
MXL capsules 60 mg are size 3, brown capsules marked MS OD60.
MXL capsules 90 mg are size 2, pink capsules marked MD OD90.
MXL capsules 120 mg are size 1, olive capsules marked MS OD120
MXL capsules 150 mg are size 1, blue capsules marked MS OD150.
MXL capsules 200 mg are size 0, rust capsules marked MS OD200.
In normal doses, the commonest side effects of morphine are nausea, vomiting, constipation and drowsiness. With chronic therapy, nausea and vomiting are unusual with MXL capsules but should they occur the capsules can be readily combined with an anti-emetic if required. Constipation may be treated with appropriate laxatives.
The following frequencies are the basis for assessing undesirable effects:
Very common (> 1/10),
Common (> 1/100 to < 1/10),
Uncommon (> 1/1,000 to < 1/100),
Rare (> 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000),
Very rare (< 1/10,000),
Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
| Very Common | Common | Uncommon | Not known | |
| Immune system disorders | Allergic reaction | Anaphylactic reaction Anaphylactoid reaction | ||
| Psychiatric disorders | Confusion Insomnia | Agitation Euphoria Hallucinations Mood altered | Drug dependence Dysphoria Thinking disturbances | |
| Nervous system disorders | Dizziness Headache Involuntary muscle contractions Somnolence | Convulsions Hypertonia Myoclonus Paraesthesia Syncope | Hyperalgesia | |
| Eye disorders | Visual disturbance | Miosis | ||
| Ear and labyrinth disorders | Vertigo | |||
| Cardiac disorders | Palpitations | Bradycardia Tachycardia | ||
| Vascular disorders | Facial flushing Hypotension | Hypertension | ||
| Respiratory thoracic and mediastinal disorders | Bronchospasm Pulmonary oedema Respiratory depression | Cough decreased | ||
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Constipation Nausea | Abdominal pain Anorexia Dry mouth Vomiting | Dyspepsia Ileus Taste perversion | |
| Hepatobiliary disorders | Increased hepatic enzymes | Biliary pain Exacerbation of pancreatitis | ||
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Hyperhidrosis Rash | Urticaria | ||
| Renal and urinary disorders | Urinary retention | Ureteric spasm | ||
| Reproductive system and breast disorders | Amenorrhoea Decreased libido Erectile dysfunction | |||
| General disorders and administration site conditions | Asthenic conditions Pruritus | Peripheral oedema | Drug tolerance Drug withdrawal syndrome |
The effects of morphine have led to its abuse and dependence may develop with regular, inappropriate use. This is not a major concern in the treatment of patients with severe pain.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
There are no pre-clinical data of relevance to the prescriber which are additional to that already included in other sections of the SPC.
The prolonged relief of severe and intractable pain.
Pharmacotherapeutic group: natural opium alkaloid
ATC code: N02A A01
Morphine acts as an agonist at opiate receptors in the CNS particularly mu and to a lesser extent kappa receptors. Mu receptors are thought to mediate supraspinal analgesia, respiratory depression and euphoria and kappa receptors, spinal analgesia, miosis and sedation.
Central Nervous System
The principal actions of therapeutic value of morphine are analgesia and sedation (i.e., sleepiness and anxiolysis).
Morphine produces respiratory depression by direct action on brain stem respiratory centers.
Morphine depresses the cough reflex by direct effect on the cough center in the medulla. Antitussive effects may occur with doses lower than those usually required for analgesia.
Morphine causes miosis, even in total darkness. Pinpoint pupils are a sign of narcotic overdose but are not pathognomonic (e.g. pontine lesions of hemorrhagic or ischemic origin may produce similar findings). Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in the setting of morphine overdose.
Gastrointestinal Tract and Other Smooth Muscle
Morphine causes a reduction in motility associated with an increase in smooth muscle tone in the antrum of the stomach and duodenum. Digestion of food in the small intestine is delayed and propulsive contractions are decreased. Propulsive peristaltic waves in the colon are decreased, while tone is increased to the point of spasm resulting in constipation.
Morphine generally increases smooth muscle tone, especially the sphincters of the gastrointestinal and biliary tracts. Morphine may produce spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, thus raising intrabiliary pressure.
Cardiovascular System
Morphine may produce release of histamine with or without associated peripheral vasodilation. Manifestations of histamine release and/or peripheral vasodilation may include pruritus, flushing, red eyes, sweating, and/or orthostatic hypotension.
Endocrine System
Opioids may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal or -gonadal axes. Some changes that can be seen include an increase in serum prolactin, and decreases in plasma cortisol, oestrogen and testosterone in association with inappropriately low or normal ACTH, LH or FSH levels. Clinical symptoms may be manifest from these hormonal changes.
Other Pharmacologic Effects
In vitro and animal studies indicate various effects of natural opioids, such as morphine, on components of the immune system; the clinical significance of these findings is unknown.
Morphine is well absorbed from the capsules and, in general, peak plasma concentrations are achieved 2-6 hours following administration. The availability is complete when compared to an immediate release oral solution or MST CONTINUS tablets. The pharmacokinetics of morphine are linear across a very wide dose range. Morphine is subject to a significant first-pass effect which results in a lower bioavailability when compared to an equivalent intravenous or intramuscular dose.
The major metabolic transformation of morphine is glucuronidation to morphine-3-glucuronide and morphine-6-glucuronide which then undergo renal excretion. These metabolites are excreted in bile and may be subject to hydrolysis and subsequent reabsorption.
Because of the high inter-patient variation in morphine pharmacokinetics, and in analgesic requirements, the daily dosage in individual patients must be titrated to achieve appropriate pain control. Daily doses of up to 11.2 g have been recorded from twelve-hourly MST CONTINUS tablets. For this reason the capsules have been formulated in strengths of 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg, 150 mg and 200 mg.
17th February 2016
MXL 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg prolonged release capsules.
Napp Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Cambridge Science Park
Milton Road
Cambridge CB4 0GW
United Kingdom
Do not store above 25°C
Polypropylene containers with polyethylene caps, containing 28 or 30 capsules.
PVdC (> 40 gsm) coated PVC (250 μm) blister strip with aluminium backing foil. The blister strips will be enclosed in a cardboard box. Each box will contain 28 or 30 capsules.
PL 16950/0042-47
MXL capsules are not recommended for use in pregnancy and labour due to the risk of neonatal respiratory depression. Administration to nursing mothers is not recommended as morphine is excreted in breast milk. Withdrawal symptoms may be observed in the newborn of mothers undergoing chronic treatment.
Each 30 mg capsule contains Morphine Sulfate 30 mg.
Each 60 mg capsule contains Morphine Sulfate 60 mg
Each 90 mg capsule contains Morphine Sulfate 90 mg
Each 120 mg capsule contains Morphine Sulfate 120 mg
Each 150 mg capsule contains Morphine Sulfate 150 mg
For the full list of excipients see 6.1.
As with all narcotics, a reduction in dosage may be advisable in the elderly, in hypothyroidism, in renal and chronic hepatic disease. Use with caution in patients with impaired respiratory function, severe bronchial asthma, convulsive disorders, acute alcoholism, delirum tremens, raised intracranial pressure, hypotension with hypovolaemia, severe cor pulmonale, opioid dependent patients, patients with a history of substance abuse, diseases of the biliary tract, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disorders, prostatic hypertrophy and adrenocortical insufficiency.MXL capsules should not be used where there is a possibility of paralytic ileus occurring. Should paralytic ileus be suspected or occur during use, MXL capsules should be discontinued immediately.
Morphine may lower the seizure threshold in patients with a history of epilepsy.
The major risk of opioid excess is respiratory depression.
As with all morphine preparations, patients who are to undergo cordotomy or other pain relieving surgical procedures should not receive MXL capsules for 24 hours prior to surgery. If further treatment with MXL capsules is then indicated the dosage should be adjusted to the new post-operative requirement.
MXL capsules should be used with caution post-operatively, and following abdominal surgery as morphine impairs intestinal motility and should not be used until the physician is assured of normal bowel function. MXL capsules is not recommended preoperatively or with the first 24 hours postoperatively.
It is not possible to ensure bio-equivalence between different brands of prolonged release morphine products. Therefore, it should be emphasised that patients, once titrated to an effective dose should not be changed from MXL capsules to other slow, sustained or prolonged release morphine or other potent narcotic analgesic preparations without retitration and clinical assessment.
The patient may develop tolerance to the drug with chronic use and require progressively higher doses to maintain pain control. Prolonged use of this product may lead to physical dependence and a withdrawal syndrome may occur upon abrupt cessation of therapy. When a patient no longer requires therapy with morphine, it may be advisable to taper the dose gradually to prevent symptoms of withdrawal.
Hyperalgesia that will not respond to a further dose increase of morphine sulfate may very rarely occur in particular in high doses. A morphine sulfate dose reduction or change in opioid may be required.
Morphine has an abuse profile similar to other strong agonist opioids. Morphine may be sought and abused by people with latent or manifest addiction disorders. There is potential for development of psychological dependence (addiction) to opioid analgesics, including morphine. The product should be used with particular care in patients with a history of alcohol and drug abuse.
The prolonged release capsules or their contents (granules) must be swallowed whole, and not broken, chewed, dissolved or crushed. The administration of broken, chewed or crushed morphine granules leads to a rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of morphine.
Concomitant use of alcohol and MXL capsules may increase the undesirable effects of MXL capsules; concomitant use should be avoided.
Abuse of oral dosage forms by parenteral administration can be expected to result in serious adverse events which may be fatal.
Morphine may modify the patient's reactions to a varying extent depending on the dosage and individual susceptibility. If affected, patients should not drive or operate machinery.
This medicine can impair cognitive function and can affect a patient's ability to drive safely. This class of medicine is in the list of drugs included in regulations under 5a of the Road Traffic Act 1988. When prescribing this medicine, patients should be told:
- The medicine is likely to affect your ability to drive.
- Do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you.
- It is an offence to drive while you have this medicine in your body over a specified limit unless you have a defence (called the 'statutory defence').
- This defence applies when:
| - The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem; and | |
| - You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber and in the information provided with the medicine. |
- Please note that it is still an offence to drive if you are unfit because of the medicine (i.e. your ability to drive is being affected).â€
Details regarding a new driving offence concerning driving after drugs have been taken in the UK may be found here: https://www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law.
Posology
MXL capsules should be used at 24-hourly intervals. The dosage is dependent upon the severity of the pain, the patient's age and previous history of analgesic requirements.
Adults and elderly
Patients presenting with severe uncontrolled pain, who are not currently receiving opioids, should have their dose requirements calculated through the use of immediate release morphine, where possible, before conversion to MXL capsules.
Patients presenting in pain, who are currently receiving weaker opioids should be started on:
a) 60 mg MXL capsule once-daily if they weigh over 70 kg.
b) 30 mg MXL capsule once-daily if they weigh under 70 kg, are frail or elderly.
Increasing severity of pain will require an increased dosage of MXL capsules using 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg, 150 mg or 200 mg alone or in combination to achieve pain relief. Higher doses should be made, where appropriate in 30% - 50% increments as required. The correct dosage for any individual patient is that which controls the pain with no or tolerable side effects for a full 24 hours.
Patients receiving MXL capsules in place of parenteral morphine should be given a sufficiently increased dosage to compensate for any reduction in analgesic effects associated with oral administration. Usually such increased requirement is of the order of 100%. In such patients individual dose adjustments are required.
Children aged 1 year and above
The use of MXL capsules in children has not been extensively evaluated. For severe and intractable pain in cancer a starting dose in the range of 0.4 to 1.6 mg morphine per kg bodyweight daily is recommended. Doses should be titrated in the normal way as for adults.
Method of administration
Route of administration: oral
The capsules may be swallowed whole or opened and the contents sprinkled on to soft cold food. The capsule and contents should not be crushed or chewed. MXL capsules should be used at 24h-hourly interval. The dosage is dependent upon the severity of the pain, the patient's age and previous history of analgesic requirements.
No special requirements
31 May 2002 / 29 March 2006
Morphine should be used with caution in patients who are concurrently receiving other central nervous system depressants including sedatives or hypnotics, general anaesthetics, phenothiazines, other tranquilizers, muscle relaxants and antihypertensives. Interactive effects resulting in respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, or coma may result if these drugs are taken in combination with the usual doses of morphine. Morphine should not be co-administered with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or within two weeks of such therapy.
In a study involving healthy volunteers (N = 12), when a 60 mg prolonged -release morphine capsule was administered 2 hours prior to a 600 mg gabapentin capsule, mean gabapentin AUC increased by 44% compared to gabapentin administered without morphine. Therefore, patients should be carefully observed for signs of CNS depression, such as somnolence, and the dose of gabapentin or morphine should be reduced appropriately.
Alcohol may enhance the pharmacodynamic effects of MXL capsules; concomitant use should be avoided.
Mixed agonist/antagonist opioid analgesics (e.g. buprenorphine, nalbuphine, pentazocine) should not be administered to a patient who has received a course of therapy with a pure opioid agonist analgesic.
Cimetidine inhibits the metabolism of morphine.
Plasma concentrations of morphine may be reduced by rifampicin.
Although there are no pharmacokinetic data available for concomitant use of ritonavir with morphine, ritonavir induces the hepatic enzymes responsible for the glucuronidation of morphine, and may possibly decrease plasma concentrations of morphine.
