Morcap SR cd

What is it?

An opiate preparation and controlled drug available as transparent capsules containing slow release pellets, in 3 strengths containing 20mg, 50mg and 100mg of morphine sulphate, coded K20, K50 and K100 and with 2, 3 or 4 black rings, respectively.

Medical Uses

Chronic moderate to severe pain.

Dosage

Capsules should be swallowed whole or pellets sprinkled onto food, but should not be chewed. Adults new to opiates, 20mg every 12 hours at first or 40mg every 24 hours. Patients changing from other oral opiate, half the same daily dose on 12 hour regimen or same dose on 24 hour regimen. Dosages should be increased on a 12 or 24 hour regimen to control pain.

Special Care

Elderly persons, head injured patients, raised pressure within skull, low circulating blood volume, underactive thyroid gland, liver or kidney disease, pancreatitis, disease of biliary tract. Avid use: children, pregnancy, 24 hours before and 24 hours after surgery, obsructive airways disease, depressed respiration, obstruction of intestine, biliary colic.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Diuretics, MAOIs, muscle relaxants, CNS depressants, cimetidine.

Known Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset, sweating, sedation, dependence and tolerance.

Manufacturer

Faulding.