morphine
a NARCOTIC and very strong ANALGESIC drug that is an alkaloid derived from OPIUM . It is used for the relief of severe pain but tolerance and dependence may occur, leading to ADDICTION .
Morphine is used to relieve severe pain. Morphine is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking morphine affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Studies have not been done to see if morphine can make it harder for a person to get pregnant. In men, use or misuse of opioids in general has been shown to lower fertility, but specific studies on morphine and male fertility have not been done. Any concerns about fertility should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Does taking morphine increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. The available data suggests that studies have not been done to see if morphine can increase the chance of miscarriage. Anyone with questions or concerns should talk with their healthcare provider.
Does taking morphine increase the risk of birth defects?
About 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect in any pregnancy. One study of 70 women with first-trimester morphine exposure did not find an increased chance of birth defects, though some studies looking at opioids as a group suggest a possible association without a specific pattern; if an increased chance exists, it is likely small. This information should be reviewed with a healthcare provider in the context of an individual situation.
Can taking morphine during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
It is not known if morphine itself increases the chance of problems such as preterm delivery or low birth weight, though studies of opioid use overall (especially at higher amounts, longer durations, or with drugs like heroin) have reported poor fetal growth, stillbirth, preterm delivery, and increased C-section rates. Use of an opioid near delivery may lead to neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) in the newborn, and individual case reports have described fetal tachycardia and placental vasoconstriction. A healthcare provider can help weigh these considerations in each situation.
Can taking morphine during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
It is not known if morphine specifically increases the chance of learning or behavior issues in the child. Some studies of opioids as a general group have reported more learning and behavior problems in children exposed for a long period during pregnancy, but it is hard to tell whether this is due to the medication or to other contributing factors. These questions are best discussed with a healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking morphine?
Morphine can pass into breast milk, and breastfed babies should be monitored for sedation, slowed or paused breathing (apnea), pale skin, constipation, and appropriate weight gain. Short-term use (2–3 days) with close infant monitoring is typically advised. Decisions about breastfeeding while using morphine should be made together with a healthcare provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
morphine