PTCE Top 200 · #156

Morphine

MS Contin

Morphine is the generic name for the brand-name drug MS Contin. It is an opioid analgesic used to treat severe chronic pain. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Morphine ranks #156 and is one of the most frequently tested pain/inflammation medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.

Generic nameMorphine
Brand name(s)MS Contin
Drug classOpioid analgesic
Class groupPain/Inflammation
Common usesevere chronic pain
DEA scheduleC-II
AvailabilityPrescription only (Rx)

What is Morphine used for?

Management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate.

What drug class is Morphine?

Morphine is an Opioid analgesic in the Pain/Inflammation group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.

Common side effects of Morphine

Major interactions

Is Morphine a controlled substance?

Yes. Morphine is a C-II controlled substance under federal law.

warning Boxed warning

WARNING: Opioids carry risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse; life‑threatening respiratory depression; and serious risks with concomitant benzodiazepines/CNS depressants. Use the lowest effective dose and monitor closely.

How to remember Morphine (PTCE mnemonic)

MS CONTIN = MorphineSulfate CONTINuous-release — C-II opioid. NEVER crush ER (lethal dose-dump); constipation always, respiratory depression; naloxone for OD; histamine release → pruritus.
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PTCE exam tip

MS Contin is EXTENDED-release morphine — crushing releases a full day's dose at once. Schedule II: no refills, exact counts, and the ER-formulation safety point.

Morphine FAQ

What is the brand name for Morphine?

The brand name for Morphine is MS Contin.

What is Morphine used for?

Morphine is used to treat severe chronic pain. Management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate.

What drug class is Morphine?

Morphine is an Opioid analgesic (Pain/Inflammation group).

Is Morphine a controlled substance?

Yes. Morphine is a C-II controlled substance under federal law.

Related drugs in the Pain/Inflammation group

Drill Morphine the way the PTCE asks it

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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).