MORPHINE SULFATE injection, solution

Morphine Sulfate by

Drug Labeling and Warnings

Morphine Sulfate by is a Prescription medication manufactured, distributed, or labeled by Hospira, Inc.. Drug facts, warnings, and ingredients follow.

Drug Details [pdf]

  • BOXED WARNING (What is this?)

    WARNING: RISKS WITH NEURAXIAL ADMINISTRATION; LIFE-THREATENING RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION; RISK OF ADDICTION, ABUSE, AND MISUSE; NEONATAL OPIOID WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME; and RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH BENZODIAZEPINES OR OTHER CNS DEPRESSANTS

    Risks with Neuraxial Administration

    Single-dose neuraxial administration may result in acute or delayed respiratory depression up to 24 hours. Because of the risk of severe adverse reactions when preservative-free morphine sulfate injection is administered by the epidural or intrathecal route of administration, patients must be observed in a fully equipped and staffed environment for at least 24 hours after the initial dose [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

    Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

    Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection. Monitor for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection or following a dose increase. Because of delay in maximum CNS effect with intravenously administered drug (30 min), rapid IV administration may result in overdosing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

    Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

    Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing preservative-free morphine sulfate injection, and monitor all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

    Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

    Prolonged use of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts. If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

    Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants

    Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Drug Interactions (7)].

    • Reserve concomitant prescribing of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.
    • Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required.
    • Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.
  • 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection is indicated for:

    • the management of pain severe enough to require use of an opioid analgesic by intravenous administration, and for which alternative treatments are not expected to be adequate.
    • the epidural or intrathecal management of pain without attendant loss of motor, sensory, or sympathetic function.

    Limitation of Use

    Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection is not for use in Continuous Microinfusion Devices.

  • 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions

    Do Not Use Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection in Continuous Microinfusion Devices.

    Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection should be administered by or under the direction of a physician experienced in the techniques of epidural or intrathecal administration and familiar with the patient management problems associated with epidural or intrathecal drug administration and the labeling, and should take place only in settings where adequate patient monitoring is possible.

    • Because of the risk of delayed respiratory depression, patients should be observed in a fully equipped and staffed environment for at least 24 hours. Respiratory depression (both early and late onset) has occurred more frequently following intrathecal administration than epidural administration.
    • Because epidural administration has been associated with less potential for immediate or late adverse effects than intrathecal administration, the epidural route should be used whenever possible.
    • For safety reasons, it is recommended that administration of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection by the epidural or intrathecal routes be limited to the lumbar area.
    • Have resuscitative equipment and a specific antagonist (naloxone injection) immediately available for the management of respiratory depression as well as complications which might result from inadvertent intrathecal or intravascular injection (note: intrathecal dosage is usually 1/10 that of epidural dosage).

    Epidural Administration

    Verify proper placement of a needle or catheter in the epidural space before preservative-free morphine sulfate injection is injected.

    Acceptable techniques for verifying proper placement include: a) aspiration to check for absence of blood or cerebrospinal fluid, or b) administration of 5 mL (3 mL in obstetric patients) of 1.5% PRESERVATIVE-FREE Lidocaine and Epinephrine (1:200,000) Injection and then observe the patient for lack of tachycardia (this indicates that vascular injection has not been made) and lack of sudden onset of segmental anesthesia (this indicates that intrathecal injection has not been made).

    Safety and Handling Instructions

    Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection is supplied in sealed vials. Accidental dermal exposure should be treated by the removal of any contaminated clothing and rinsing the affected area with water.

    Inspect parenteral drug products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Do not use if color is darker than pale yellow, if it is discolored in any other way, or if it contains a precipitate.

    Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection is intended for single use only. Protect from light, discard any unused portion. Do not heat-sterilize.

    2.2 Initial Dosage

    The starting dose of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection must be individualized.

    • Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
    • Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient's severity of pain, patient response, prior analgesic treatment experience, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
    • Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24–72 hours of initiating therapy and following dosage increases with preservative-free morphine sulfate injection and adjust the dosage accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

    2.3 Dosage for Intravenous Administration

    Adult Dosage: The initial dose of morphine should be 2 mg to 10 mg/70 kg of body weight.

    2.4 Dosage for Epidural Administration

    Adult Dosage: Initial injection of 5 mg in the lumbar region may provide satisfactory pain relief for up to 24 hours. If adequate pain relief is not achieved within one hour, careful administration of incremental doses of 1 to 2 mg at intervals sufficient to assess effectiveness may be given. Do not administer more than 10 mg per 24 hours.

    2.5 Dosage for Intrathecal Administration

    Adult Dosage: Intrathecal dosage is usually 1/10 that of epidural dosage. A single injection of 0.2 to 1 mg may provide satisfactory pain relief for up to 24 hours. (Caution: this is only 0.4 to 2 mL of the 5 mg/10 mL container or 0.2 to 1 mL of the 10 mg/10 mL container of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection).

    • Do not inject intrathecally more than 2 mL of the 5 mg/10 mL container or 1 mL of the 10 mg/10 mL container.
    • Repeated intrathecal injections of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection are not recommended. If pain recurs, consider alternative routes of administration
    • A constant intravenous infusion of naloxone, 0.6 mg/hr, for 24 hours after intrathecal injection may be used to reduce the incidence of potential side effects.

    2.6 Discontinuation of Preservative-Free Morphine Sulfate Injection

    When a patient who has been treated with a regimen of opioid analgesics including preservative-free morphine sulfate injection regularly and may be physically dependent no longer requires therapy with preservative-free morphine sulfate injection, taper the dose gradually while monitoring carefully for signs and symptoms of withdrawal. If the patient develops these signs or symptoms, raise the dose to the previous level and taper more slowly, either by increasing the interval between decreases, decreasing the amount of change in dose, or both. Do not abruptly discontinue preservative-free morphine sulfate injection in a physically-dependent patient [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15), Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)].

  • 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

    Injection: 5 mg/10 mL (0.5 mg/mL) Preservative-free fliptop vials

    Injection: 10 mg/10 mL (1 mg/mL) Preservative-free fliptop vials

  • 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

    Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection is contraindicated in patients with:

    Neuraxial administration of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection is contraindicated in patients with:

  • 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    5.1 Risks with Neuraxial Administration

    Control of pain by neuraxial opioid delivery is always accompanied by considerable risk to the patient and requires a high level of skill to be successfully accomplished. The task of treating these patients must be undertaken by experienced clinical teams, well-versed in patient selection, evolving technology and emerging standards of care.

    In the case of epidural or intrathecal administration, preservative-free morphine sulfate injection should be administered by or under the direction of a physician experienced in the techniques and familiar with the patient management problems associated with epidural or intrathecal drug administration. The physician should be familiar with patient conditions (such as infection at the injection site, bleeding diathesis, anticoagulant therapy, etc.) which call for special evaluation of the benefit versus risk potential.

    Because epidural administration has been associated with less potential for immediate or late adverse effects than intrathecal administration, the epidural route should be used whenever possible.

    For safety reasons, it is recommended that administration of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection by the epidural or intrathecal routes be limited to the lumbar area. Thoracic epidural administration has been shown to dramatically increase the incidence of early and late respiratory depression even with doses of 1 to 2 mg.

    Because of the risk of severe adverse effects when the epidural or intrathecal route of administration is employed, patients must be observed in a fully equipped and staffed environment for at least 24 hours after the initial dose.

    The facility must be equipped to resuscitate patients with severe opiate overdosage, and the personnel must be familiar with the use and limitations of specific narcotic antagonists (naloxone, naltrexone) in such cases.

    Parenteral administration of narcotics in patients receiving epidural or intrathecal morphine may result in overdosage.

    5.2 Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

    Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended. Respiratory depression, if not immediately recognized and treated, may lead to respiratory arrest and death.

    Management of respiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, and use of opioid antagonists, depending on the patient's clinical status [see Overdosage (10)]. Carbon dioxide (CO2) retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids.

    While serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression can occur at any time during the use of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection, the risk is greatest during the initiation of therapy or following a dosage increase. This respiratory depression and/or respiratory arrest may be severe and could require intervention.

    • Because of delay in maximum CNS effect with intravenously administered drug (30 min), rapid administration may result in overdosing.
    • Single-dose neuraxial administration may result in acute or delayed respiratory depression for periods at least as long as 24 hours.
    • Severe respiratory depression up to 24 hours following epidural or intrathecal administration has been reported.
    • Intrathecal use has been associated with a higher incidence of respiratory depression than epidural use.
    • Thoracic administration has been shown to dramatically increase the incidence of early and late respiratory depression even at doses of 1 to 2 mg.

    Because of the risk of severe adverse effects when the epidural or intrathecal route of administration is employed, patients must be observed in a fully equipped and staffed environment for at least 24 hours after the initial dose. The facility must be equipped to resuscitate patients with severe opiate overdosage, and the personnel must be familiar with the use and limitations of specific narcotic antagonists (naloxone, naltrexone) in such cases.

    To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection are essential [see Dosage and Administration (2)]. Overestimating the preservative-free morphine sulfate injection dosage can result in a fatal overdose with the first dose.

    Opioids can cause sleep-related breathing disorders including central sleep apnea (CSA) and sleep-related hypoxemia. Opioid use increases the risk of CSA in a dose-dependent fashion. In patients who present with CSA, consider decreasing the opioid dosage using best practices for opioid taper [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)].

    5.3 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

    Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection contains morphine, a Schedule II controlled substance. As an opioid, preservative-free morphine sulfate injection exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9)].

    Although the risk of addiction in any individual is unknown, it can occur in patients appropriately prescribed preservative-free morphine sulfate injection. Addiction can occur at recommended dosages and if the drug is misused or abused.

    Assess each patient's risk for opioid addiction, abuse, or misuse prior to prescribing preservative-free morphine sulfate injection, and monitor all patients receiving preservative-free morphine sulfate injection for the development of these behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with a personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression). The potential for these risks should not, however, prevent the proper management of pain in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed opioids such as preservative-free morphine sulfate injection, but use in such patients necessitates intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection along with intensive monitoring for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse.

    Opioids are sought by drug users and people with addiction disorders and are subject to criminal diversion. Consider these risks when prescribing or dispensing preservative-free morphine sulfate injection. Strategies to reduce these risks include prescribing the drug in the smallest appropriate quantity. Contact local state professional licensing board or state controlled substances authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product.

    5.4 Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

    Prolonged use of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection during pregnancy can result in withdrawal in the neonate. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, unlike opioid withdrawal syndrome in adults, may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts. Observe newborns for signs of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly. Advise pregnant women using opioids for a prolonged period of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

    5.5 Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants

    Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from concomitant use of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, (e.g., non-benzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, other opioids, alcohol). Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

    Use of neuroleptics in conjunction with neuraxial morphine may increase the risk of respiratory depression.

    Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioid analgesics alone. Because of similar pharmacological properties, it is reasonable to expect similar risk with the concomitant use of other CNS depressant drugs with opioid analgesics [see Drug Interactions (7)].

    If the decision is made to prescribe a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant concomitantly with an opioid analgesic, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use. In patients already receiving an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid, and titrate based on clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is initiated in a patient already taking a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant, prescribe a lower initial dose of the opioid analgesic, and titrate based on clinical response. Follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.

    Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when preservative-free morphine sulfate injection is used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (including alcohol and illicit drugs). Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of concomitant use of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant have been determined. Screen patients for risk of substance use disorders, including opioid abuse and misuse, and warn them of the risk for overdose and death associated with the use of additional CNS depressants including alcohol and illicit drugs [see Drug Interactions (7)].

    5.6 Risk of Tolerance and Myoclonic Activity

    Patients sometimes manifest unusual acceleration of neuraxial morphine requirements, which may cause concern regarding systemic absorption and the hazards of large doses; these patients may benefit from hospitalization and detoxification. Two cases of myoclonic-like spasm of the lower extremities have been reported in patients receiving more than 20 mg/day of intrathecal morphine. After detoxification, it might be possible to resume treatment at lower doses, and some patients have been successfully changed from continuous epidural morphine to continuous intrathecal morphine. Repeat detoxification may be indicated at a later date. The upper daily dosage limit for each patient during continuing treatment must be individualized.

    5.7 Chest Wall Rigidity

    Rapid intravenous administration may result in chest wall rigidity.

    5.8 Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease or in Elderly, Cachectic, or Debilitated Patients

    The use of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment is contraindicated.

    Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease: Patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with a substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or pre-existing respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive including apnea, even at recommended doses of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

    Elderly, Cachectic, or Debilitated Patients: Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients because they may have altered pharmacokinetics or altered clearance compared to younger, healthier patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

    Monitor such patients closely, particularly when initiating and titrating preservative-free morphine sulfate injection and when preservative-free morphine sulfate injection is given concomitantly with other drugs that depress respiration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Alternatively, consider the use of non-opioid analgesics in these patients.

    5.9 Interaction with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

    Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may potentiate the effects of morphine, including respiratory depression, coma, and confusion. Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection should not be used in patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment [see Drug Interactions (7)].

    5.10 Adrenal Insufficiency

    Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use. Presentation of adrenal insufficiency may include non-specific symptoms and signs including nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. If adrenal insufficiency is suspected, confirm the diagnosis with diagnostic testing as soon as possible. If adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement doses of corticosteroids. Wean the patient off of the opioid to allow adrenal function to recover and continue corticosteroid treatment until adrenal function recovers. Other opioids may be tried as some cases reported use of a different opioid without recurrence of adrenal insufficiency. The information available does not identify any particular opioids as being more likely to be associated with adrenal insufficiency.

    5.11 Severe Hypotension

    Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection may cause severe hypotension including orthostatic hypotension and syncope in ambulatory patients. There is increased risk in patients whose ability to maintain blood pressure has already been compromised by a reduced blood volume or concurrent administration of certain CNS depressant drugs (e.g., phenothiazines or general anesthetics) [see Drug Interactions (7)]. Monitor these patients for signs of hypotension after initiating or titrating the dosage of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection. In patients with circulatory shock, preservative-free morphine sulfate injection may cause vasodilation that can further reduce cardiac output and blood pressure. Avoid the use of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection in patients with circulatory shock.

    5.12 Risks of Use in Patients with Increased Intracranial Pressure, Brain Tumors, Head Injury, or Impaired Consciousness

    In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of CO2 retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), preservative-free morphine sulfate injection may reduce respiratory drive, and the resultant CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure. Monitor such patients for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, particularly when initiating therapy with preservative-free morphine sulfate injection. Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection should be used with extreme caution in patients with head injury or increased intracranial pressure. Pupillary changes (miosis) from morphine may obscure the existence, extent and course of intracranial pathology. High doses of neuraxial morphine may produce myoclonic events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for adverse drug reactions when evaluating altered mental status or movement abnormalities in patients receiving this modality of treatment.

    Opioids may also obscure the clinical course in a patient with a head injury. Avoid the use of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection in patients with impaired consciousness or coma.

    5.13 Risks of Use in Patients with Gastrointestinal Conditions

    Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus.

    The morphine in preservative-free morphine sulfate injection may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi. Opioids may cause increases in serum amylase. Monitor patients with biliary tract disease, including acute pancreatitis, for worsening symptoms. As significant morphine is released into the systemic circulation from neuraxial administration, the ensuing smooth muscle hypertonicity may result in biliary colic.

    5.14 Risks of Seizures

    The morphine in preservative-free morphine sulfate injection may increase the frequency of seizures in patients with seizure disorders, and may increase the risk of seizures occurring in other clinical setting associated with seizures. Monitor patients with a history of seizure disorders for worsened seizure control during preservative-free morphine sulfate injection therapy.

    Excitation of the central nervous system, resulting in convulsions, may accompany high doses of morphine given intravenously.

    5.15 Withdrawal

    Avoid the use of mixed agonist/antagonist (e.g., pentazocine, nalbuphine, and butorphanol) or partial agonist (e.g., buprenorphine) analgesics in patients who are receiving a full opioid agonist analgesic, including preservative-free morphine sulfate injection. In these patients, mixed agonist/antagonist and partial agonist analgesics may reduce the analgesic effect and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms.

    When discontinuing preservative-free morphine sulfate injection, gradually taper the dosage [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)]. Do not abruptly discontinue preservative-free morphine sulfate injection [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)].

    5.16 Risks of Use in Patients with Urinary System Disorders

    Urinary retention, which may persist 10 to 20 hours following single epidural or intrathecal administration, is a frequently associated with neuraxial opioid administration and must be anticipated, more frequently in male patients than female patients. Urinary retention may also occur during the first several days of hospitalization for the initiation of continuous intrathecal or epidural morphine therapy. Early recognition of difficulty in urination and prompt intervention in cases of urinary retention is indicated. Patients who develop urinary retention have responded to cholinomimetic treatment and/or judicious use of catheters.

    5.17 Risks of Use in Ambulatory Patients

    Patients with reduced circulating blood volume, impaired myocardial function or on sympatholytic drugs should be monitored for the possible occurrence of orthostatic hypotension, a frequent complication in single-dose neuraxial morphine analgesia.

  • 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

    The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections:

    The following adverse reactions associated with the use of morphine were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

    The most serious adverse reactions encountered during administration of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection were respiratory depression and/or respiratory arrest.

    Cardiovascular System: While low doses of intravenously administered morphine have little effect on cardiovascular stability, high doses are excitatory, resulting from sympathetic hyperactivity and increase in circulating catecholamines.

    Central Nervous System: myoclonus, seizures, dysphoric reactions, toxic psychosis, dizziness, euphoria, anxiety, confusion, headache. Lumbar puncture-type headache is encountered in a significant minority of cases for several days following intrathecal catheter implantation and generally responds to bed rest and/or other conventional therapy.

    Gastrointestinal System: Nausea, vomiting, constipation

    Skin: Generalized pruritus, urticaria, wheals, and/or local tissue irritation. Single-dose epidural or intrathecal administration is accompanied by a high incidence of dose-related generalized pruritus.

    Urinary System: Urinary retention, oliguria.

    Peripheral edema: There are several reports of peripheral edema

    Other: Other adverse reactions reported following morphine therapy include depression of cough reflex, interference with thermal regulation, peripheral edema.

    Serotonin syndrome: Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of opioids with serotonergic drugs.

    Adrenal insufficiency: Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use.

    Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in preservative-free morphine sulfate injection.

    Androgen deficiency: Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with chronic use of opioids [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

  • 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

    Table 1 includes clinically significant drug interactions with preservative-free morphine sulfate injection.

    Table 1 Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Preservative-Free Morphine Sulfate Injection
    Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
    Clinical Impact:Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, can increase the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. The depressant effects of morphine are potentiated by the presence of other CNS depressants. Use of neuroleptics in conjunction with neuraxial morphine may increase the risk of respiratory depression.
    Intervention:Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
    Examples:Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, physotropic drugs, antihistamines, neuroleptics, other opioids, alcohol.
    Serotonergic Drugs
    Clinical Impact:The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome.
    Intervention:If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue preservative-free morphine sulfate injection if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
    Examples:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that effect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e. cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue).
    Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
    Clinical Impact:MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
    Intervention:Do not use preservative-free morphine sulfate injection in patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment.
    If urgent use of an opioid is necessary, use test doses and frequent titration of small doses of other opioids (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, or buprenorphine) to treat pain while closely monitoring blood pressure and signs and symptoms of CNS and respiratory depression.
    Examples:phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid.
    Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics
    Clinical Impact:May reduce the analgesic effect of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms.
    Intervention:Avoid concomitant use.
    Examples:Butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine.
    Muscle Relaxants
    Clinical Impact:Morphine may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression.
    Intervention:Monitor patients for signs of respiratory depression that may be greater than otherwise expected and decrease the dosage of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection and/or the muscle relaxant as necessary.
    Diuretics
    Clinical Impact:Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone.
    Intervention:Monitor patients for signs of diminished diuresis and/or effects on blood pressure and increase the dosage of the diuretic as needed.
    Anticholinergic Drugs
    Clinical Impact:The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs may increase risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may lead to paralytic ileus.
    Intervention:Monitor patients for signs of urinary retention or reduced gastric motility when preservative-free morphine sulfate injection is used concomitantly with anticholinergic drugs.
    Oral P2Y12 Inhibitors
    Clinical Impact:The co-administration of oral P2Y12 inhibitors and intravenous morphine sulfate can decrease the absorption and peak concentration of oral P2Y12 inhibitors and delay the onset of the antiplatelet effect.
    Intervention:Consider the use of parenteral antiplatelet agent in the setting of acute coronary syndrome requiring co-administration of intravenous morphine sulfate.
    Examples:clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor
  • 8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

    8.1 Pregnancy

    Risk Summary

    Prolonged use of opioid analgesics during pregnancy can cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. There are no available data with preservative-free morphine sulfate injection in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. Published studies with morphine use during pregnancy have not reported a clear association with morphine and major birth defects [see Human Data]. In published animal reproduction studies, morphine administered subcutaneously during the early gestational period produced neural tube defects (i.e., exencephaly and cranioschisis) at 5 and 16 times the human daily dose of 60 mg based on body surface area (HDD) in hamsters and mice, respectively, lower fetal body weight and increased incidence of abortion at 0.4 times the HDD in the rabbit, growth retardation at 6 times the HDD in the rat, and axial skeletal fusion and cryptorchidism at 16 times the HDD in the mouse. Administration of morphine sulfate to pregnant rats during organogenesis and through lactation resulted in cyanosis, hypothermia, decreased brain weights, pup mortality, decreased pup body weights, and adverse effects on reproductive tissues at 3–4 times the HDD; and long-term neurochemical changes in the brain of offspring which correlate with altered behavioral responses that persist through adulthood at exposures comparable to and less than the HDD [see Animal Data]. Based on animal data, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

    The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively.

    Clinical Considerations

    Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions

    Prolonged use of opioid analgesics during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth.

    Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, and failure to gain weight. The onset, duration, and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome vary based on the specific opioid used, duration of use, timing and amount of last maternal use, and rate of elimination of the drug by the newborn. Observe newborns for symptoms of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

    Labor or Delivery

    Opioids cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in neonates. An opioid antagonist, such as naloxone, must be available for reversal of opioid induced respiratory depression in the neonate. Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection is not recommended for use in women during and immediately prior to labor, when use of shorter-acting analgesics or other analgesic techniques are more appropriate. Opioid analgesics, including preservative-free morphine sulfate injection, can prolong labor through actions that temporarily reduce the strength, duration, and frequency of uterine contractions. However, this effect is not consistent and may be offset by an increased rate of cervical dilatation, which tends to shorten labor. Monitor neonates exposed to opioid analgesics during labor for signs of excess sedation and respiratory depression.

    Data

    Human Data

    The results from a population-based prospective cohort, including 70 women exposed to morphine during the first trimester of pregnancy and 448 women exposed to morphine at any time during pregnancy, indicate no increased risk for congenital malformations. However, these studies cannot definitely establish the absence of any risk because of methodological limitations, including small sample size and non-randomized study design.

    Animal Data

    Formal reproductive and developmental toxicology studies for morphine have not been conducted. Exposure margins for the following published study reports are based on human daily dose of 60 mg morphine using a body surface area comparison (HDD).

    Neural tube defects (exencephaly and cranioschisis) were noted following subcutaneous administration of morphine sulfate (35–322 mg/kg) on Gestation Day 8 to pregnant hamsters (4.7 to 43.5 times the HDD). A no adverse effect level was not defined in this study and the findings cannot be clearly attributed to maternal toxicity. Neural tube defects (exencephaly), axial skeletal fusions, and cryptorchidism were reported following a single subcutaneous (SC) injection of morphine sulfate to pregnant mice (100–500 mg/kg) on Gestation Day 8 or 9 at 200 mg/kg or greater (16 times the HDD) and fetal resorption at 400 mg/kg or higher (32 times the HDD). No adverse effects were noted following 100 mg/kg morphine in this model (8 times the HDD). In one study, following continuous subcutaneous infusion of doses greater than or equal to 2.72 mg/kg to mice (0.2 times the HDD), exencephaly, hydronephrosis, intestinal hemorrhage, split supraoccipital, malformed sternebrae, and malformed xiphoid were noted. The effects were reduced with increasing daily dose; possibly due to rapid induction of tolerance under these infusion conditions. The clinical significance of this report is not clear.

    Decreased fetal weights were observed in pregnant rats treated with 20 mg/kg/day morphine sulfate (3.2 times the HDD) from Gestation Day 7 to 9. There was no evidence of malformations despite maternal toxicity (10% mortality). In a second rat study, decreased fetal weight and increased incidences of growth retardation were noted at 35 mg/kg/day (5.7 times the HDD) and there was a reduced number of fetuses at 70 mg/kg/day (11.4 times the HDD) when pregnant rats were treated with 10, 35, or 70 mg/kg/day morphine sulfate via continuous infusion from Gestation Day 5 to 20. There was no evidence of fetal malformations or maternal toxicity.

    An increased incidence of abortion was noted in a study in which pregnant rabbits were treated with 2.5 (0.8 times the HDD) to 10 mg/kg morphine sulfate via subcutaneous injection from Gestation Day 6 to 10. In a second study, decreased fetal body weights were reported following treatment of pregnant rabbits with increasing doses of morphine (10–50 mg/kg/day) during the pre-mating period and 50 mg/kg/day (16 times the HDD) throughout the gestation period. No overt malformations were reported in either publication; although only limited endpoints were evaluated.

    In published studies in rats, exposure to morphine during gestation and/or lactation periods is associated with: decreased pup viability at 12.5 mg/kg/day or greater (2 times the HDD); decreased pup body weights at 15 mg/kg/day or greater (2.4 times the HDD); decreased litter size, decreased absolute brain and cerebellar weights, cyanosis, and hypothermia at 20 mg/kg/day (3.2 times the HDD); alteration of behavioral responses (play, social-interaction) at 1 mg/kg/day or greater (0.2 times the HDD); alteration of maternal behaviors (e.g., decreased nursing and pup retrievals) in mice at 1 mg/kg or higher (0.08 times the HDD) and rats at 1.5 mg/kg/day or higher (0.2 times the HDD); and a host of behavioral abnormalities in the offspring of rats, including altered responsiveness to opioids at 4 mg/kg/day (0.7 times the HDD) or greater.

    Fetal and/or postnatal exposure to morphine in mice and rats has been shown to result in morphological changes in fetal and neonatal brain and neuronal cell loss, alteration of a number of neurotransmitter and neuromodulator systems, including opioid and non-opioid systems, and impairment in various learning and memory tests that appear to persist into adulthood. These studies were conducted with morphine treatment usually in the range of 4 to 20 mg/kg/day (0.7 to 3.2 times the HDD).

    Additionally, delayed sexual maturation and decreased sexual behaviors in female offspring at 20 mg/kg/day (3.2 times the HDD), and decreased plasma and testicular levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone, decreased testes weights, seminiferous tubule shrinkage, germinal cell aplasia, and decreased spermatogenesis in male offspring were also observed at 20 mg/kg/day (3.2 times the HDD). Decreased litter size and viability were observed in the offspring of male rats that were intraperitoneally administered morphine sulfate for 1 day prior to mating at 25 mg/kg/day (4.1 times the HDD) and mated to untreated females. Decreased viability and body weight and/or movement deficits in both first and second generation offspring were reported when male mice were treated for 5 days with escalating doses of 120 to 240 mg/kg/day morphine sulfate (9.7 to 19.5 times the HDD) or when female mice treated with escalating doses of 60 to 240 mg/kg/day (4.9 to 19.5 times the HDD) followed by a 5-day treatment-free recovery period prior to mating. Similar multigenerational findings were also seen in female rats pre-gestationally treated with escalating doses of 10 to 22 mg/kg/day morphine (1.6 to 3.6 times the HDD).

    8.2 Lactation

    Risk Summary

    Morphine is present in breast milk. Published lactation studies report variable concentrations of morphine in breast milk with administration of immediate-release morphine to nursing mothers in the early postpartum period with a milk-to-plasma morphine AUC ratio of 2.5:1 measured in one lactation study. However, there is insufficient information to determine the effects of morphine on the breastfed infant and the effects of morphine on milk production. Lactation studies have not been conducted with preservative-free morphine sulfate injection, and no information is available on the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant or the effects of the drug on milk production.

    The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for preservative-free morphine sulfate injection and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from preservative-free morphine sulfate injection or from the underlying maternal condition.

    Clinical Considerations

    Monitor infants exposed to preservative-free morphine sulfate injection through breast milk for excess sedation and respiratory depression. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breastfed infants when maternal administration of morphine is stopped, or when breastfeeding is stopped.

    8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

    Infertility

    Chronic use of opioids may cause reduced fertility in females and males of reproductive potential. It is not known whether these effects on fertility are reversible [see Adverse Reactions (6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

    In published animal studies, morphine administration adversely effected fertility and reproductive endpoints in male rats and prolonged estrus cycle in female rats [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13)].

    8.4 Pediatric Use

    Adequate studies to establish the safety and effectiveness of spinal morphine in pediatric patients have not been performed, and usage in this population is not recommended.

    8.5 Geriatric Use

    Elderly patients (aged 65 years or older) may have increased sensitivity to preservative-free morphine sulfate injection. In general, use caution when selecting a dosage for an elderly patient, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

    Respiratory depression is the chief risk for elderly patients treated with opioids, and has occurred after large initial doses were administered to patients who were not opioid-tolerant or when opioids were co-administered with other agents that depress respiration. Titrate the dosage of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection slowly in geriatric patients and monitor closely for signs of central nervous system and respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

    The pharmacodynamic effects of neuraxial morphine in the elderly are more variable than in the younger population. Patients will vary widely in the effective initial dose, rate of development of tolerance and the frequency and magnitude of associated adverse effects as the dose is increased. Initial doses should be based on careful clinical observation following "test doses", after making due allowances for the effects of the patient's age and infirmity on his/her ability to clear the drug, particularly in patients receiving epidural morphine.

    Morphine is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

    8.6 Hepatic or Renal Impairment

    The elimination half-life of morphine may be prolonged in patients with reduced metabolic rates and with hepatic and/or renal dysfunction. Hence, care should be exercised in administering preservative-free morphine sulfate injection epidurally to patients with these conditions. High blood morphine levels, due to reduced clearance, may take several days to develop.

  • 9 DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE

    9.1 Controlled Substance

    Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection contains morphine, a Schedule II controlled drug substance.

    9.2 Abuse

    Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection contains morphine, a substance with a high potential for abuse similar to other opioids. Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection can be abused and is subject to misuse, addiction, and criminal diversion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

    All patients treated with opioids require careful monitoring for signs of abuse and addiction, because use of opioid analgesic products carries the risk of addiction even under appropriate medical use.

    Prescription drug abuse is the intentional non-therapeutic use of a prescription drug, even once, for its rewarding psychological or physiological effects.

    Drug addiction is a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that develop after repeated substance use and includes: a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling its use, persisting in its use despite harmful consequences, a higher priority given to drug use than to other activities and obligations, increased tolerance, and sometimes a physical withdrawal.

    "Drug-seeking" behavior is very common in persons with substance use disorders. Drug-seeking tactics include emergency calls or visits near the end of office hours, refusal to undergo appropriate examination, testing, or referral, repeated "loss" of prescriptions, tampering with prescriptions, and reluctance to provide prior medical records or contact information for other treating healthcare provider(s). "Doctor shopping" (visiting multiple prescribers to obtain additional prescriptions) is common among drug abusers and people suffering from untreated addiction. Preoccupation with achieving adequate pain relief can be appropriate behavior in a patient with poor pain control.

    Abuse and addiction are separate and distinct from physical dependence and tolerance. Healthcare providers should be aware that addiction may not be accompanied by concurrent tolerance and symptoms of physical dependence in all addicts. In addition, abuse of opioids can occur in the absence of true addiction.

    Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection, like other opioids, can be diverted for non-medical use into illicit channels of distribution. Careful record-keeping of prescribing information, including quantity, frequency, and renewal requests, as required by state and federal law, is strongly advised.

    Proper assessment of the patient, proper prescribing practices, periodic re-evaluation of therapy, and proper dispensing and storage are appropriate measures that help to limit abuse of opioid drugs.

    9.3 Dependence

    Both tolerance and physical dependence can develop during chronic opioid therapy. Tolerance is the need for increasing doses of opioids to maintain a defined effect such as analgesia (in the absence of disease progression or other external factors). Tolerance may occur to both the desired and undesired effects of drugs, and may develop at different rates for different effects.

    Physical dependence results in withdrawal symptoms after abrupt discontinuation or a significant dosage reduction of a drug. Withdrawal also may be precipitated through the administration of drugs with opioid antagonist activity (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene), mixed agonist/antagonist analgesics (e.g., pentazocine, butorphanol, nalbuphine), or partial agonists (e.g., buprenorphine). Physical dependence may not occur to a clinically significant degree until after several days to weeks of continued opioid usage.

    Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection should not be abruptly discontinued [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)]. If preservative-free morphine sulfate injection is abruptly discontinued in a physically-dependent patient, a withdrawal syndrome may occur. Some or all of the following can characterize this syndrome: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, and mydriasis. Other signs and symptoms also may develop, including irritability, anxiety, backache, joint pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or increased blood pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate.

    Infants born to mothers physically dependent on opioids will also be physically dependent and may exhibit respiratory difficulties and withdrawal signs [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

  • 10 OVERDOSAGE

    Clinical Presentation

    Acute overdose with preservative-free morphine sulfate injection can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, hypotension, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in overdose situations [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

    Treatment of Overdose

    In case of overdose, priorities are the reestablishment of a patent and protected airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed. Employ other supportive measures (including oxygen and vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias will require advanced life-support techniques.

    The opioid antagonists, naloxone or nalmefene, are specific antidotes to respiratory depression resulting from opioid overdose. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to morphine overdose, administer an opioid antagonist. Opioid antagonists should not be administered in the absence of clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to morphine overdose.

    As the duration of effect of naloxone is considerably shorter than that of epidural or intrathecal morphine, repeated administration may be necessary. Patients should be closely observed for evidence of renarcotization.

    Because the duration of opioid reversal is expected to be less than the duration of action of morphine in preservative-free morphine sulfate injection, particularly with epidural or intrathecal morphine, carefully monitor the patient until spontaneous respiration is reliably reestablished. If the response to an opioid antagonist is suboptimal or only brief in nature, administer additional antagonist as directed by the product's prescribing information.

    In an individual physically dependent on opioids, administration of the recommended usual dosage of the antagonist will precipitate an acute withdrawal syndrome. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms experienced will depend on the degree of physical dependence and the dose of the antagonist administered. If a decision is made to treat serious respiratory depression in the physically dependent patient, administration of the antagonist should be initiated with care and by titration with smaller than usual doses of the antagonist.

  • 11 DESCRIPTION

    Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection (morphine sulfate injection) is an opioid agonist, available as a sterile, nonpyrogenic isobaric solution of morphine sulfate in strengths of 0.5 mg or 1 mg morphine sulfate per mL, free of antioxidants, preservatives or other potentially neurotoxic additives, and is intended for intravenous, epidural, or intrathecal administration. Morphine is the most important alkaloid of opium and is a phenanthrene derivative. It is available as the sulfate salt, chemically identified as 7,8-Didehydro-4,5-epoxy-17-methyl-(5α,6α)-morphinan-3,6-diol sulfate (2:1) (salt), pentahydrate, with the following structural formula:

    Chemical Structure
    (C17H19NO3)2 ∙ H2SO4 ∙ 5H2OMolecular Weight is 758.83

    Morphine sulfate USP is an odorless, white crystalline powder with a bitter taste. It has a solubility of 1 in 21 parts of water and 1 in 1000 parts of alcohol, but is practically insoluble in chloroform or ether. The octanol:water partition coefficient of morphine is 1.42 at physiologic pH and the pKa is 7.9 for the tertiary nitrogen (the majority is ionized at pH 7.4).

    Each mL of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection contains morphine sulfate, USP 0.5 mg (5 mg/10 mL) or 1 mg (10 mg/ 10 mL) and sodium chloride 9 mg in Water for Injection. The pH range is 2.5 – 6.5. Contains no preservative. Each 10 mL container of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection is intended for SINGLE DOSE ONLY.

  • 12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    12.1 Mechanism of Action

    Morphine is a full opioid agonist and is relatively selective for the mu-opioid receptor, although it can bind to other opioid receptors at higher doses. The principal therapeutic action of morphine is analgesia. Like all full opioid agonists, there is no ceiling effect for analgesia with morphine. Clinically, dosage is titrated to provide adequate analgesia and may be limited by adverse reactions, including respiratory and CNS depression.

    The precise mechanism of the analgesic action is unknown. However, specific CNS opioid receptors for endogenous compounds with opioid-like activity have been identified throughout the brain and spinal cord and are thought to play a role in the analgesic effects of this drug.

    12.2 Pharmacodynamics

    Effects on the Central Nervous System

    Morphine produces respiratory depression by direct action on brain stem respiratory centers. The respiratory depression involves a reduction in the responsiveness of the brain stem respiratory centers to both increases in carbon dioxide tension and electrical stimulation.

    Morphine causes miosis, even in total darkness. Pinpoint pupils are a sign of opioid overdose but are not pathognomic (e.g., pontine lesions of hemorrhagic or ischemic origins may produce similar findings). Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen due to hypoxia in overdose situations.

    Both early and late respiratory depression (up to 24 hours post dosing) have been reported following neuraxial administration. Circulation of the spinal fluid may also result in high concentrations of morphine reaching the brain stem directly.

    Effects on the 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 may be increased to the point of spasm, resulting in constipation. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in biliary and pancreatic secretions, spasm of sphincter of Oddi, and transient elevations in serum amylase.

    Effects on the Cardiovascular System

    Morphine produces peripheral vasodilation, which may result in orthostatic hypotension or syncope. Manifestations of histamine release and/or peripheral vasodilation may include pruritus, flushing, red eyes, sweating, and/or orthostatic hypotension.

    Effects on the Endocrine System

    Opioids inhibit the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and luteinizing hormone (LH) in humans [See Adverse Reactions (6)]. They also stimulate prolactin, growth hormone (GH) secretion, and pancreatic secretion of insulin and glucagon.

    Chronic use of opioids may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to androgen deficiency that may manifest as low libido, impotence, erectile dysfunction, amenorrhea, or infertility. The causal role of opioids in the clinical syndrome of hypogonadism is unknown because the various medical, physical, lifestyle, and psychological stressors that may influence gonadal hormone levels have not been adequately controlled for in studies conducted to date [see Adverse Reactions (6)].

    Effects on the Immune System

    Opioids have been shown to have a variety of effects on components of the immune system in in vitro and animal models. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown. Overall, the effects of opioids appear to be modestly immunosuppressive.

    Concentration – Efficacy Relationships

    The minimum effective analgesic concentration will vary widely among patients, especially among patients who have been previously treated with potent agonist opioids. The minimum effective analgesic concentration of morphine for any individual patient may increase over time due to an increase in pain, the development of a new pain syndrome, and/or the development of analgesic tolerance [See Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

    Concentration – Adverse Reaction Relationships

    There is a relationship between increasing morphine plasma concentration and increasing frequency of dose-related opioid adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, CNS effects, and respiratory depression. In opioid-tolerant patients, the situation may be altered by the development of tolerance to opioid-related adverse reactions [See Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2, 2.6)].

    12.3 Pharmacokinetics

    Intravenous Administration

    Morphine has an apparent volume of distribution ranging from 1.0 to 4.7 L/kg after intravenous dosage. Protein binding is low, about 36%, and muscle tissue binding is reported as 54%. A blood-brain barrier exists, and when morphine is introduced outside of the CNS (e.g., intravenously), plasma concentrations of morphine remain higher than the corresponding CSF morphine levels. Conversely, when morphine is injected into the intrathecal space, it diffuses out into the systemic circulation slowly, accounting for the long duration of action of morphine administered by this route.

    Morphine has a total plasma clearance which ranges from 0.9 to 1.2 L/kg/h (liters/kilogram/hour) in postoperative patients, but shows considerable interindividual variation. The major pathway of clearance is hepatic glucuronidation to morphine-3-glucuronide, which is pharmacologically inactive. The major excretion path of the conjugate is through the kidneys, with about 10% in the feces. Morphine is also eliminated by the kidneys, 2 to 12% being excreted unchanged in the urine. Terminal half-life is commonly reported to vary from 1.5 to 4.5 hours, although the longer half-lives were obtained when morphine levels were monitored over protracted periods with very sensitive radioimmunoassay methods. The accepted elimination half-life in normal subjects is 1.5 to 2 hours.

    Epidural Administration

    Morphine, injected into the epidural space, is rapidly absorbed into the general circulation. Absorption is so rapid that the plasma concentration-time profiles closely resemble those obtained after intravenous or intramuscular administration. Peak plasma concentrations averaging 33 to 40 ng/mL (range 5 to 62 ng/mL) are achieved within 10 to 15 minutes after administration of 3 mg of morphine. Plasma concentrations decline in a multiexponential fashion. The terminal half-life is reported to range from 39 to 249 minutes (mean of 90 ± 34.3 min) and, though somewhat shorter, is similar in magnitude as values reported after intravenous and intramuscular administration (1.5 to 4.5 h). CSF concentrations of morphine, after epidural doses of 2 to 6 mg in postoperative patients, have been reported to be 50 to 250 times higher than corresponding plasma concentrations. The CSF levels of morphine exceed those in plasma after only 15 minutes and are detectable for as long as 20 hours after the injection of 2 mg of epidural morphine. Approximately 4% of the dose injected epidurally reaches the CSF. This corresponds to the relative minimum effective epidural and intrathecal doses of 5 mg and 0.25 mg, respectively. The disposition of morphine in the CSF follows a biphasic pattern, with an early half-life of 1.5 h and a late phase half-life of about 6 h. Morphine crosses the dura slowly, with an absorption half-life across the dura averaging 22 minutes. Maximum CSF concentrations are seen 60 to 90 minutes after injection. Minimum effective CSF concentrations for postoperative analgesia average 150 ng/mL (range < 1–380 ng/mL).

    Intrathecal Administration

    The intrathecal route of administration circumvents meningeal diffusion barriers and, therefore, lower doses of morphine produce comparable analgesia to that induced by the epidural route. After intrathecal bolus injection of morphine, there is a rapid initial distribution phase lasting 15 to 30 minutes and a half-life in the CSF of 42 to 136 min (mean 90 ± 16 min). Derived from limited data, it appears that the disposition of morphine in the CSF, from 15 minutes postintrathecal administration to the end of a six-hour observation period, represents a combination of the distribution and elimination phases. Morphine concentrations in the CSF averaged 332 ± 137 ng/mL at 6 hours, following a bolus dose of 0.3 mg of morphine. The apparent volume of distribution of morphine in the intrathecal space is about 22 ± 8 mL.

    Time-to-peak plasma concentrations, however, are similar (5 to 10 min) after either epidural or intrathecal bolus administration of morphine. Maximum plasma morphine concentrations after 0.3 mg intrathecal morphine have been reported from < 1 to 7.8 ng/mL. The minimum analgesic morphine plasma concentration during Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) has been reported as 20 to 40 ng/mL, suggesting that any analgesic contribution from systemic redistribution would be minimal after the first 30 to 60 minutes with epidural administration and virtually absent with intrathecal administration of morphine.

  • 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

    13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

    Carcinogenesis

    Long-term studies in animals to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of morphine have not been conducted.

    Mutagenesis

    No formal studies to assess the mutagenic potential of morphine have been conducted. In the published literature, morphine was found to be mutagenic in vitro increasing DNA fragmentation in human T-cells. Morphine was reported to be mutagenic in the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay and positive for the induction of chromosomal aberrations in mouse spermatids and murine lymphocytes. Mechanistic studies suggest that the in vivo clastogenic effects reported with morphine in mice may be related to increases in glucocorticoid levels produced by morphine in this species. In contrast to the above positive findings, in vitro studies in the literature have also shown that morphine did not induce chromosomal aberrations in human leukocytes or translocations or lethal mutations in Drosophila.

    Impairment of Fertility

    No formal nonclinical studies to assess the potential of morphine to impair fertility have been conducted.

    Several nonclinical studies from the literature have demonstrated adverse effects on male fertility in the rat from exposure to morphine. One study in which male rats were administered morphine sulfate subcutaneously prior to mating (up to 30 mg/kg twice daily) and during mating (20 mg/kg twice daily) with untreated females, a number of adverse reproductive effects including reduction in total pregnancies and higher incidence of pseudopregnancies at 20 mg/kg/day (3.2 times the HDD) were reported.

    Studies from the literature have also reported changes in hormonal levels in male rats (i.e. testosterone, luteinizing hormone) following treatment with morphine at 10 mg/kg/day or greater (1.6 times the HDD).

    Female rats that were administered morphine sulfate intraperitoneally prior to mating exhibited prolonged estrous cycles at 10 mg/kg/day (1.6 times the HDD).

  • 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

    Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection (morphine sulfate injection, USP) is a preservative-free solution, available as 5 mg/10 mL (0.5 mg/mL) and 10 mg/10 mL (1 mg/mL), in vials, for single dose administration.

    Unit of SaleConcentration
    NDC: 0409-3814-125 mg/10 mL
    Carton of 5(0.5 mg/mL)
    10 mL Single-dose fliptop vials
    NDC: 0409-3815-1210 mg/10 mL
    Carton of 5(1 mg/mL)
    10 mL Single-dose fliptop vials

    Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection is supplied in sealed vials. Accidental dermal exposure should be treated by the removal of any contaminated clothing and rinsing the affected area with water.

    PROTECT FROM LIGHT. Keep stored in carton until time of use. Store at 20°–25°C (68°–77°F), excursions permitted to 15°–30°C (59°–86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. DO NOT FREEZE. Preservative-free morphine sulfate injection contains no preservative or antioxidant. Each 10 mL vial of preservative-free morphine sulfate injection is intended for SINGLE-DOSE ONLY. Discard any unused portion. Do not heat-sterilize.

    To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Hospira, Inc. at 1-800-441-4100, or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

    For Product Inquiry call 1-800-441-4100.

  • 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

    Serotonin Syndrome

    Inform patients that opioids could cause a rare but potentially life-threatening condition resulting from concomitant administration of serotonergic drugs. Warn patients of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome and to seek medical attention right away if symptoms develop. Instruct patients to inform their physicians if they are taking, or plan to take serotonergic medications [see Drug Interactions (7)].

    Constipation

    Advise patients of the potential for severe constipation, including management instructions and when to seek medical attention [see Adverse Reactions (6)].

  • SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION

    Distributed by Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA
    Logo

    LAB-1038-3.0

  • PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 5 mg/10 mL Vial Label

    10 mL Single-dose

    Preservative-Free

    CII

    MORPHINE
    Sulfate Inj., USP
    5 mg/10 mL (0.5 mg/mL)

    For I.V., Epidural or Intrathecal Use.

    Dist. by Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA

    PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 5 mg/10 mL Vial Label
  • PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 5 mg/10 mL Vial Carton

    10 mL
    Single-dose
    5 Fliptop Vials

    Preservative-Free

    NDC: 0409-3814-12
    Contains 5 of NDC: 0409-3814-11

    MORPHINE Sulfate
    Injection, USP

    CII

    5 mg/10 mL (0.5 mg/mL)
    Rx only

    For Intravenous, Epidural or Intrathecal use.
    Protect from light. Store in carton until time of use.

    Hospira

    Distributed by Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA

    PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 5 mg/10 mL Vial Carton
  • PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 mg/10 mL Vial Label

    10 mL Single-dose
    Preservative-Free

    CII

    MORPHINE
    Sulfate Inj., USP
    10 mg/10 mL (1 mg/mL)

    For I.V., Epidural or Intrathecal Use.

    Dist. by Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA

    PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 mg/10 mL Vial Label
  • PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 mg/10 mL Vial Carton

    10 mL
    Single-dose
    5 Fliptop Vials

    Preservative-Free

    NDC: 0409-3815-12
    Contains 5 of NDC: 0409-3815-11

    MORPHINE Sulfate
    Injection, USP

    CII

    10 mg/10 mL (1 mg/mL)
    Rx only

    For Intravenous, Epidural or Intrathecal use. Protect from light. Store in carton until time of use.

    Distributed by Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA

    Hospira

    PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 mg/10 mL Vial Carton
  • INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
    MORPHINE SULFATE 
    morphine sulfate injection, solution
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC: 0409-3814
    Route of AdministrationEPIDURAL, INTRATHECAL, INTRAVENOUSDEA ScheduleCII    
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    MORPHINE SULFATE (UNII: X3P646A2J0) (MORPHINE - UNII:76I7G6D29C) MORPHINE SULFATE0.5 mg  in 1 mL
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    SODIUM CHLORIDE (UNII: 451W47IQ8X) 9 mg  in 1 mL
    SODIUM HYDROXIDE (UNII: 55X04QC32I)  
    HYDROCHLORIC ACID (UNII: QTT17582CB)  
    WATER (UNII: 059QF0KO0R)  
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC: 0409-3814-125 in 1 CARTON08/10/2005
    1NDC: 0409-3814-1110 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    ANDAANDA07350908/10/2005
    MORPHINE SULFATE 
    morphine sulfate injection, solution
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC: 0409-3815
    Route of AdministrationEPIDURAL, INTRATHECAL, INTRAVENOUSDEA ScheduleCII    
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    MORPHINE SULFATE (UNII: X3P646A2J0) (MORPHINE - UNII:76I7G6D29C) MORPHINE SULFATE1 mg  in 1 mL
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    SODIUM CHLORIDE (UNII: 451W47IQ8X) 9 mg  in 1 mL
    SODIUM HYDROXIDE (UNII: 55X04QC32I)  
    HYDROCHLORIC ACID (UNII: QTT17582CB)  
    WATER (UNII: 059QF0KO0R)  
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC: 0409-3815-125 in 1 CARTON06/29/2005
    1NDC: 0409-3815-1110 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    ANDAANDA07351006/29/2005
    Labeler - Hospira, Inc. (141588017)
    Establishment
    NameAddressID/FEIBusiness Operations
    Hospira, Inc.093132819ANALYSIS(0409-3814, 0409-3815) , LABEL(0409-3814, 0409-3815) , MANUFACTURE(0409-3814, 0409-3815) , PACK(0409-3814, 0409-3815)
    Establishment
    NameAddressID/FEIBusiness Operations
    Hospira, Inc.827731089ANALYSIS(0409-3814, 0409-3815)
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