Serious adverse reactions associated with morphine sulfate use include: respiratory depression, apnea, and to a lesser degree, circulatory depression, respiratory arrest, shock and cardiac arrest.
The common adverse reactions seen on initiation of therapy with morphine sulfate are dose-dependent and are typical opioid-related side effects. The most frequent of these include constipation, nausea, and somnolence. Other commonly observed adverse reactions include: lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, vomiting, and sweating. The frequency of these events depends upon several factors including clinical setting, the patient’s level of opioid tolerance, and host factors specific to the individual. Anticipate and manage these events as part of opioid analgesia therapy.
Other less frequently observed adverse reactions expected from opioid analgesics, including morphine sulfate include:
Body as a Whole: malaise, withdrawal syndrome
Cardiovascular System: bradycardia, hypertension, hypotension, palpitations, syncope, tachycardia
Digestive System: biliary pain, dyspepsia, dysphagia, gastroenteritis, abnormal liver function tests, rectal disorder, thirst
Hemic and Lymphatic System: anemia, thrombocytopenia
Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: edema, weight loss
Musculoskeletal: skeletal muscle rigidity
Nervous System: abnormal dreams, abnormal gait, agitation, amnesia, anxiety, ataxia, confusion, convulsions, coma, delirium, hallucinations, lethargy, nervousness, abnormal thinking, tremor, vasodilation, vertigo, headache
Respiratory System: hiccup, hypoventilation, voice alteration
Skin and Appendages: dry skin, urticaria, pruritus
Special Senses: amblyopia, eye pain, taste perversion
Urogenital System: abnormal ejaculation, dysuria, impotence, decreased libido, oliguria, urinary retention, anti-diuretic effect