cd MST Continus

What is it?

An opiate preparation and controlled drug available as continuous-release film-coated tablets of different strengths, all containing morphine sulphate. White, 5mg; brown, 10mg; light green, 15mg; purple, 30mg; orange, 60mg; grey, 100mg; green, 200mg. Tablets are all marked NAPP and with strength. Also, CONTINUS SUSPENSION, produced as granules in sachets for dissolving in water, to make raspberry- flavoured, continuous-release suspension containing morphine (equivalent to morphine sulphate). Suspension is available in 20mg, 30mg, 60mg, 100mg and 200mg strengths.

Medical Uses

Long-term relief of severe pain when other drugs have proved inadequate. Also, postoperative pain (using strengths not exceeding 30mg only) .

Dosage

Adults, 30mg every 12 hours at first, then adjusted to provide pain relief for 12 hours according to response. Children, 0.2 to 0.8mg per kg of body weight every 12 hours at first, then adjusted to provide pain relief for 12 hours. (Granules maybe dissolved in water or mixed with food).

Special Care

Elderly, liver or kidney disease, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), raised pressure within skull, enlarged prostate gland, low circulating blood volume, pancreatitis, inflammation of the bowel, insufficient output fron cortex of adrenal glands, disease of biliary tract.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, acute liver disease, delayed emptying of stomach, head injuries, acute abdomen, paralytic ileus, obstructive airways disease, depressed respiration. Not for pain relief in children undergoing surgery during the 24 hour pre- and postoperative periods.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Cimetidine, centralnervous system depressants, MAO's.

Known Side Effects

Nausea, constipation, drow siness, itching, allergic nettle rash, vomiting, drug tolerance and dependence.

Manufacturer

Napp.