Morphine hydrochloride 10mg in 5ml
mixture (alcohol free)
Information for patients
Pharmacy
This leaflet contains important information about your medicine; please read it carefully. If
you have any questions, contact your doctor or hospital pharmacist.
We must seek your consent for any procedure or treatment beforehand. Staff will explain
the risks, benefits and alternatives where relevant before they ask for your consent. If you
are unsure about any aspect of the procedure or treatment proposed, please do not
hesitate to ask for more information.
What ingredients are in this mixture?
Each 5ml of mixture contains: morphine hydrochloride (10mg), the preservative bronopol (1mg) and
purified water. The mixture does not contain alcohol.
Why have I been prescribed this mixture?
Morphine hydrochloride is a pain reliever or analgesic. It is used for severe pain. It belongs to the
group of medicines known as 'opioid analgesics'.
Check with your doctor first if any of the following apply. Your doctor can
then decide if you may carry on with this treatment:
• you have any lung problems or severe asthma
• you are very drowsy or have any head or brain injury
• you have fits (convulsions) or increased pressure inside your skull
• you drink large amounts of alcohol or have confusion or shaking due to alcohol
• you have severe stomach pain with bloating, cramps and vomiting, or 'paralytic ileus'
• you take a type of medicine for depression called a 'monoamine oxidase inhibitor' (MAOI) or
you have taken any MAOI's in the last two weeks
• you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breast feeding
• you have been told your kidneys or liver are not working well (renal or hepatic failure)
• you have a type of tumour known as a 'phaeochromocytoma'
• you have any prostate problems
Do not take this mixture if you are allergic to morphine, opioid painkillers, or any of the ingredients
listed in this leaflet. Do not take the mixture if the packaging shows any signs of tampering before
opening. If the packaging has been tampered with return it to the pharmacy you got it from.
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Issue Date: January 2017. Review Date: January 2019
How do I take this mixture?
Take the mixture as prescribed. Shake the bottle well before use. Use a measuring spoon or an oral
syringe (from a pharmacy), to measure out the dose. The amount of mixture you need to take and
how many times a day you take it will depend on how much pain you are in and how long the pain
killing effect lasts. The treatment may carry on for as long as you need it.
The dose may be mixed with a soft drink. It will not matter if it is taken with or without food.
If your pain is related to soreness of the mouth or throat (mucositis), the mixture can be swirled
around in the mouth, before swallowing.
If a dose is missed, take it when you remember. Do not take any extra doses.
How will I know if the mixture is working?
You will feel less pain.
What are the benefits of taking this mixture?
The aim is for you to be in less or no pain.
Are there other ways to treat my pain?
There are other medicines available. Tell your doctor if you want to try other types of pain relief.
What if I don't take this mixture?
Tell your doctor, as your pain may get worse.
What side-effects does this mixture have?
It is useful to know about possible side effects but you may not notice any of these.
Allergic reactions - signs may include: swelling of the mouth and face, itching, rashes and trouble
breathing. If these occur, stop taking the mixture and contact a doctor immediately.
Headache, feeling dizzy or unsteady, shallow breathing, a slow heartbeat, feeling irritable or restless
and stomach pains or cramps. If any of these side effects occur, tell your doctor.
Other side effects may include: feeling or being sick, trouble passing urine, drowsiness, constipation,
dry mouth, sweats and flushing of the face, feeling cold, lowered sex drive, seeing or hearing things
that are not there (hallucinations), confusion, tense muscles, the pupil (black circle in the centre of
the eyes) becoming smaller.
Very rarely, dependence may occur following long term use, as with any morphine product.
If you are drowsy, avoid driving and using any machines or tools. Avoid drinking alcohol with this
mixture as it is likely to cause or worsen drowsiness.
Let your doctor know about any side-effects, including any not stated in this leaflet.
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Will this medicine affect my ability to drive?
This medicine may affect your ability to drive. A new drug driving law has been introduced. If you are
taking your medicine and your driving is not impaired, then you are not breaking the law. However,
it will remain an offence to drive while your ability is impaired by drugs and, if in doubt, you should
not drive. For more information go to www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law
What do I do if I take too much mixture, or if someone else, especially a child,
takes my mixture?
Call your doctor or hospital immediately. This may require emergency treatment in hospital. When
seeking medical attention make sure that you take this leaflet and any remaining medicine with you
to show to the doctor.
Can I take other medicines whilst I am taking this mixture?
Some medicines are not suitable to be taken along with this mixture. Tell your doctor and/or
pharmacist about any other medicines that you are taking, including those bought from a shop or
pharmacy and herbal or vitamin products.
Where should I store my mixture?
Store the bottle in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
If a doctor tells you to stop taking this mixture or you no longer need it, return it to any pharmacy.
When does the mixture expire?
On the label there is an expiry date (Use before……..). Do not use the mixture after this date. Do not
use the bottle for more than 4 weeks after opening or after the expiry date. Write the date of opening
on the label.
If you take the mixture after the expiry date has passed, it may not work very well. Take out of date
mixture to a pharmacy for disposal.
How do I get more morphine hydrochloride mixture 10mg in 5ml?
You can ask for more mixture at your hospital. It is not usually prescribed by family doctors or supplied
by local pharmacies. If you find it difficult to return to the hospital for supplies, your GP can write a
prescription for the mixture and your local pharmacy can order supplies in from Tayside
Pharmaceuticals. Supplies may take a number of days to arrive so allow plenty of time.
Where can I find more information?
MacMillan Cancer Support
• 0808 808 0000
• www.macmillan.org.uk
Cancer Research UK
• 0808 800 40 40
• www.cancerresearchuk.org
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Who can I contact if I have any questions?
For more information on the use of this medicine please contact your consultant or
Medicines Information
• 0114 271 3296 or 0114 271 4371
For any other enquiries contact the hospital switchboard on
• 0114 243 4343
Produced with support from Sheffield Hospitals Charity – working hard to fund improvements that
make life better for patients and their families
Please donate to help us do more
www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk
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Alternative formats can be available on request. Email: [email protected]
© Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2017
Re-use of all or any part of this document is governed by copyright and the “Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005” SI 2005 No.1515. Information on re-use can be obtained from
the Information Governance Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. Email [email protected]
PD6462-PIL2445 v4
Issue Date: January 2017. Review Date: January 2019