Morphine Sulfate

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Cat Number

API0232577

CAS Number

64-31-3

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CAS Number

64-31-3

EINECS

200-582-8

Synonyms

Morphabond, Morphine sulphate

Molecular Formula

C34H40N2O10S

Molecular Weight

668.76

Smiles

CN1CC[C@]23[C@@H]4[C@H]1CC5=C2C(=C(C=C5)O)O[C@H]3[C@H](C=C4)O.CN1CC[C@]23[C@@H]4[C@H]1CC5=C2C(=C(C=C5)O)O[C@H]3[C@H](C=C4)O.OS(=O)(=O)O

Appearance

White crystalline powder

Boiling Point

476.2℃

General Description

Morphine sulfate is the sulfate salt of morphine, a phenanthrene alkaloid obtained from opium and classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. FDA-approved since 1941, it remains the archetypal opioid analgesic against which all others are compared.

Mechanism of Action

Morphine exerts its effects primarily through agonist activity at the mu-opioid receptor, with lesser affinity for delta and kappa opioid receptors. Receptor binding stimulates GTP exchange for GDP on G-proteins, inhibits adenylate cyclase, and decreases intracellular cAMP. This closes N-type voltage-gated calcium channels and opens potassium channels, producing neuronal hyperpolarization and reduced neurotransmitter release.

Application

Morphine sulfate is indicated for the management of moderate to severe acute and chronic pain requiring opioid analgesia when alternative treatments are inadequate. It is also used for pain associated with myocardial infarction and as adjunctive treatment for acute pulmonary edema.

Le Cornec C, et al. compared intravenous ketamine (20 mg, followed by 10 mg every 5 minutes) with intravenous morphine sulfate (2–3 mg every 5 minutes) in 251 adult patients with out-of-hospital traumatic pain and a verbal pain score ≥5. The mean reduction in pain score at 30 minutes was –3.7 in the ketamine group versus –3.8 in the morphine group, with a difference of 0.1 (95% CI –0.7 to 0.9), demonstrating noninferiority within the prespecified margin of 1.3. Although adverse effects were more frequent with ketamine (40.8% vs. 16.8%), primarily emergence phenomena, none required intervention.

Fig. 1 Study flow diagram (Le Cornec C, et al., 2024)

References

Le Cornec C, et al. Ketamine Compared With Morphine for Out-of-Hospital Analgesia for Patients With Traumatic Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(1):e2352844.

Ofoegbu A, et al. summarized current knowledge regarding genetic polymorphisms affecting morphine pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, explaining interindividual variability in treatment outcomes. The review highlights key genes including UGT2B7 (encoding the enzyme responsible for morphine glucuronidation), OCT1 (an organic cation transporter involved in hepatic uptake), ABCB1 (encoding P-glycoprotein, which affects drug distribution), and OPRM1 (encoding the mu-opioid receptor). Variations in these genes can significantly alter morphine metabolism, transport, and receptor binding, potentially leading to differences in analgesic efficacy and adverse effects.

Fig. 2 Morphine metabolism. (Ofoegbu A, B Ettienne E, et al, 2021)

References

Ofoegbu A, B Ettienne E. Pharmacogenomics and Morphine. J Clin Pharmacol. 2021;61(9):1149-1155.

What are the specific security requirements for shipping Morphine Sulfate internationally?

As a narcotic, it requires secure, chain-of-custody shipping with tamper-evident packaging.

Does Morphine Sulfate discolor upon prolonged storage?

It may darken over time, especially if exposed to light or air. Storage in light-resistant, airtight containers is recommended to prevent oxidation and discoloration.

Is Morphine Sulfate hygroscopic, and how is this managed during storage?

It can absorb moisture, leading to weight changes and potential degradation. We package it in moisture-barrier bags with desiccant, and it should be stored in a dry environment.

What is the impurity profile of Morphine Sulfate, and how is pseudomorphine controlled?

Pseudomorphine (a dimer) is a key oxidative impurity. We use a specific HPLC method to monitor and control it to very low levels, ensuring patient safety and product quality.