MS Contin: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions
Authored by
MS Contin
MS Contin (morphine sulfate extended-release tablets) is an oral opioid agonist available in tablet strengths of 15 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg. To make it easy to divide the 15 mg and 30 mg tablets into equal halves, they have been scored.White to off-white, round, film-coated tablets debossed with M on one side and 15, 30, 60, 100, or 200 on the other side of the tablet, corresponding to the following strengths, are morphine sulfate extended-release tablets.The purpose of MS Contin tablets is to deliver a consistent, controlled release of morphine over an extended period of time. MS Contin is prescribed to treat chronic pain that is severe enough to need daily, round-the-clock opioid treatment and for which there are no effective non-opioid treatment options.
Side Effects
Among the side effects that are most frequently reported are:
nausea
vomiting
constipation
dizziness
weakness
drowsiness
sweating
headache
Mechanism of Action
While it can bind to other opioid receptors at higher doses, morphine sulfate is a full opioid agonist with relative selectivity for the mu-opioid receptor. The human brain and spinal cord contain discretely spaced-out mu-binding sites that play a role in analgesia, reward, habituation, tolerance, and dependence. Although the exact mode of action of MS Contin is unknown, it is thought that, like other opioids, it binds to mu receptors in the central nervous system and/or other structures that modulate pain perception, sending inhibitory impulses down descending pain pathways in the brain stem, increasing the pain threshold and producing analgesia.
Dosage and Administration
MS Contin is prescribed to treat chronic pain that is severe enough to require daily, round-the-clock opioid treatment and for which no other treatments are effective.
Interactions
Lower plasma concentrations of morphine may occur when MS Contin is used concurrently with CYP3A4 inducers or when a CYP3A4 inhibitor is stopped, which may also lessen the effectiveness or signs of opioid withdrawal.
Cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A4, metabolize MS Contin to produce the active metabolite M3G as well as the inactive metabolites M6G and normorphine. Phase 1 (oxidation) and phase 2 (conjugation) reactions are both a part of the metabolic pathways for morphine.
Inhibitors of CYP3A4:
When MS Contin is used concurrently with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, the plasma concentration of morphine may rise. This could amplify or prolong negative effects and lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression.
Inhibitors of CYP2D6:
Increased plasma concentrations of morphine may occur when MS Contin is used concurrently with CYP2D6 inhibitors.
Warnings and Precautions
Patients with significant respiratory depression, acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment, known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus, and hypersensitivity to morphine or other opioids (e.g., anaphylaxis), should not take MS Contin.
When a doctor or pharmacist is worried about an elevated risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion, they should take this into account before prescribing or dispensing MS Contin.
Alternatives
Alternatives to MS Contin that are also long-acting opioids include oxycodone, hydromorphone, and fentanyl.
Long-term effects of opioids
Opioids' long-term effects can have negative psychological and physical effects. The following are a few of the most typical physical effects:
lower levels of testosterone
reduced libido
impotence
diminished sperm count
infertility
hormonal irregularities
muscle tremor
osteoporosis
gaining weight
Opioids' chronic psychological side effects may even be more detrimental. The following are some of the most typical psychological effects:
anxiety
depression
mood changes
irritability
rage
psychosis
paranoia
Is oxycodone more effective than MS Contin?
Since every individual will react differently to various medications, there is no conclusive answer to this question. Some people might discover that oxycodone works better than MS Contin, while others might discover the opposite to be true. The best medication for you will ultimately be determined by working with a healthcare professional.
Check your health from home
View all-
46 ReviewsTestosterone Blood Test
Sale - £9.01Testosterone Blood Test
Vendor:welzo46 ReviewsSale - 0% -
38 Reviews
Cortisol Blood Test
Cortisol Blood Test
Vendor:welzo38 Reviews -
66 Reviews
Full Blood Count (FBC) Blood Test
Full Blood Count (FBC) Blood Test
Vendor:welzo66 Reviews -
24 Reviews
Wellman Test
Wellman Test
Vendor:welzo24 Reviews
Order pharmacy items online
View all-
36 Reviews
Lactulose Solution
Sale - £3.02Lactulose Solution
Vendor:Pharmacy36 ReviewsRegular price From £2.97Regular priceUnit price per£5.99Sale price From £2.97Sale - 0% -
48 Reviews
BioMin F Toothpaste 75ml
BioMin F Toothpaste 75ml
Vendor:Pharmacy48 Reviews -
66 Reviews
Solpadeine Max Soluble Pack of 32
Solpadeine Max Soluble Pack of 32
Vendor:Pharmacy66 ReviewsRegular price £10.30Regular priceUnit price per -
82 Reviews
Laxido Orange Powder Sachets (Sugar Free)
Sale - £3.50Laxido Orange Powder Sachets (Sugar Free)
Vendor:Pharmacy82 ReviewsRegular price From £5.49Regular priceUnit price per£8.99Sale price From £5.49Sale - 0%
Get 10% off your first order
Plus get the inside scoop on our latest content and updates in our monthly newsletter.