Kadian

Kadian, also known as MS Contin, is a controlled-release morphine tablet containing morphine, used to relieve moderate to severe pain. MS Contin is typically taken every 12 hours. The brand name Kadian may be taken once or twice a day.

Caution: Kadian is potentially addictive. Taking it for some time and then stopping abruptly could lead to withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, do not make dosage changes on your own; always consult your doctor.

Do not crush or break the tablet. take it whole as you do any time-released tablet. Do not use alcohol while taking Kadian.

Do not take Kadian if you have ever had an allergic reaction to morphine or are sensitive to it, or if you have bronchial asthma.

If your breathing is abnormally slow, you should not take Kadian unless there is resuscitation equipment nearby.

Kadian should not be prescribed if you are suffering an intestinal blockage.

Kadian should not be used by anyone who might have a brain injury, or the beginnings of an abdominal problem requiring surgery; the drug could mask the symptoms, making correct diagnosis difficult or impossible. For people facing biliary tract surgery, there is a chance that the drug could make their condition worse.

Prescribed With Extreme Caution

Your doctor will also prescribe Kadian with extreme caution if you have any of the following conditions: alcoholism, coma, curvature of the spine, delirium tremens (severe alcohol withdrawal), drug-related psychosis, enlarged prostate or constricted urinary canal, kidney disorder, liver disorder, low adrenalin levels, low thyroid levels, lung disorder or swallowing difficulty.

If taken by an epileptic person, Kadian could increase the likelihood of a seizure.

Since Kadian can impair judgment and coordination, do not drive, climb, or operate hazardous equipment while taking this drug. If you become overly calm or lethargic, call your doctor.

Kadian can lower blood pressure; you may feel dizzy or light-headed, especially when you first stand up.

Side Effects: The most hazardous potential side effect of Kadian is respiratory depression (dangerously slow breathing). If you are older or in a weakened condition, you are particularly vulnerable to respiratory depression; you may be at special risk at any age if you have a lung or breathing problem. More common side effects may include anxiety, constipation, depressed or irritable mood, dizziness, drowsiness, exaggerated sense of well-being, light-headedness, nausea, sedation, sweating, vomiting. These may be alleviated by lying down.

Food/Medication Interactions: alcohol; Talwin, Nubain, Stadol, and Buprenex; Drugs that control vomiting, such as Compazine and Tigan; Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate; major tranquilizers such as Thorazine and Haldol; muscle relaxants such as Flexeril and Valium; sedatives such as Dalmane and Halcion; tranquilizers such as Librium and Xanax; water pills such as Diuril and Lasix. Health Square