DepoDur (Morphine Sulfate XR Liposome Injection) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

DepoDur

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For what conditions are pain medications used?

Virtually any disease as well as most injuries and surgical procedures involve some degree of pain. It's not surprising, then, that pain medications, also known as analgesics, are among the most commonly used drugs in the U.S. Pain can range from minor, acute complaints, such as a muscle sprain, to chronic, severe pain, such as that sometimes experienced by cancer patients. Some drugs used for other conditions also are effective at relieving certain types of pain. These drugs include certain drugs used for depression, epilepsy, and anxiety.

What are the differences among the types of pain medications?

Pain medications can be broadly classified into two categories: prescription and nonprescription. In the latter category are several mild anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen), as well as acetaminophen. These are mainly meant for use with short-term, acute pain -- menstrual cramps,...

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DepoDur

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DepoDur®
(morphine sulfate) Extended-Release Liposome Injection

DRUG DESCRIPTION

DepoDur (morphine sulfate) extended-release liposome injection is a sterile suspension of multivesicular liposomes using proprietary DepoFoam® formulation technology containing morphine sulfate, intended for epidural administration.

Chemically, morphine sulfate is 7, 8-didehydro-4, 5α-epoxy-17-methylmorphinan-3, 6α -diol sulfate (2:1) (salt) pentahydrate with a molecular weight of 758. Morphine sulfate pentahydrate has the following structural formula:

DepoDur (morphine sulfate) Structural Formula Illustration

Morphine base has a pK_a of 7.9, with an octanol/water partition coefficient of 1.42 at physiologic pH 7.4. At this pH, morphine's tertiary amino group is mostly ionized, making the molecule water-soluble.

DepoDur (morphine sulfate xr liposome injection) is a sterile, non-pyrogenic, white to off-white, preservative-free suspension of multivesicular lipid-based particles containing

Morphine Sulfate, USP. The median diameter of the liposome particles is in the range of 17 to 23 µm. The liposomes are suspended in a 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Each vial contains morphine sulfate (expressed as the pentahydrate) at a nominal concentration of 10 mg/mL. Inactive ingredients and their approximate concentrations are: 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC), 4.2 mg/mL; cholesterol, 3.3 mg/mL; 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-(1-glycerol) (DPPG), 0.9 mg/mL; tricaprylin, 0.3 mg/mL; and triolein, 0.1 mg/mL. The pH of DepoDur (morphine sulfate xr liposome injection) is in the range of 5.0 to 8.0.

After the administration of DepoDur into the epidural space, morphine sulfate is released from the multivesicular liposomes over a period of time.

Liposomal encapsulation or incorporation in a lipid complex can substantially affect a drug's functional properties relative to those of the unencapsulated or nonlipid-associated drug. In addition, different liposomal or lipid-complexed products with a common active ingredient may vary from one another in the chemical composition and physical form of the lipid component. Such differences may affect functional properties of these drug products. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE.

What are the precautions when taking morphine sulfate xr liposome injection (DepoDur)?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other narcotic pain relievers (e.g., hydromorphone, oxymorphone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: serious breathing problems (e.g., severe asthma, respiratory depression, upper airway obstruction), certain bowel diseases (e.g., paralytic ileus), intoxication with medications that depress the nervous system or your breathing (CNS/respiratory depressants such as alcohol or...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 10/13/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.