Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Morphine as follows:
Gastrointestinal side-effects
- Morphine use can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting, especially when taken on empty stomach. Taking dose of morphine with a glass of water, after having some food or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication.
- Morphine use can also induce dry mouth and significant constipation. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation. If you are not prescribed any laxative/stool softener, check with your physician for a recommendation on the same. Observe strict compliance with recommendations made on laxative/stool softener use, to prevent constipation and episodes of stool impaction. If you experience any further bothersome constipation, report it to your physician for further recommendations. Observing compliance with fiber intake recommendations in the diet can also help with preventing episodes of constipation with the medication.
