When it is prescribed
Medical uses
FDA-approved for moderate to severe acute and chronic pain when other options fail — surgery, cancer, sickle cell, palliative care.
FDA-approved uses
Morphine is approved for moderate to severe pain that is acute or chronic, when alternative therapies are inadequate.
- Severe pain after surgery or major injury
- Cancer pain during active treatment
- Palliative and end-of-life care
- Vaso-occlusive pain in sickle cell crisis
- Sometimes around surgery to reduce anxiety and the amount of anesthetic needed
What it is not for
It is not a first-line drug for everyday pain such as a sprain, headache, or routine toothache. CDC guidance generally reserves long-acting opioids for severe, ongoing pain after non-opioid options have been tried.