Kadian Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Kadian Capsule was an extended-release prescription form of morphine, an opioid medicine, used to manage pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term treatment. It has been discontinued in the U.S., but generic versions may still be available. It was typically used when other pain treatments did not work well enough or were not tolerated, especially in cancer patients with severe, long-lasting pain. As an opioid, it carries serious risks, including dependence, overdose, and dangerous interactions with alcohol.

What is Kadian Capsule

Kadian was an extended-release prescription morphine capsule used to manage pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term treatment. It has been discontinued in the U.S., but generic versions may be available.

Kadian Capsule uses

• Managing pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term treatment
• Used when other pain treatments, such as non-opioid pain medicines or immediate-release opioid medicines, did not treat pain well enough, or were not tolerated
• Treating severe, long-lasting pain, mainly in cancer patients

Benefits of Kadian Capsule

• Provides long-lasting relief of severe, persistent pain that requires an opioid analgesic.
• Helps reduce continuous pain intensity when other pain treatments are inadequate or not tolerated.
• Provides around-the-clock pain control through its extended-release formulation.
• May improve comfort, sleep, and daily functioning when severe pain is appropriately controlled.
• Is intended for patients who need daily, long-term opioid treatment, rather than occasional as-needed pain relief.

How Kadian Capsule works

Morphine changes the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain by activating opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain.

Kadian Capsule dosage

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor and follow the directions on your prescription label and any medication guides. Never use it in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed, and do not use it on an as-needed basis.

Swallow the extended-release capsule whole; do not crush, chew, or dissolve it. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you can open it and sprinkle the pellets over about one tablespoon of applesauce, then swallow all of the applesauce and pellets right away without chewing them. Do not save any for later, and rinse your mouth afterward to be sure you swallowed all the pellets; flush the empty capsule down the toilet right away. Never crush the capsule to inhale the powder or inject it into a vein.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly; ask your doctor before stopping, since stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms. If you miss a dose, skip it if it is almost time for your next dose; do not use two doses at one time. Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of morphine.

Available forms and strengths

• Oral capsules, extended release: 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg, 80mg, 100mg, 200mg

Side effects of Kadian Capsule

Common

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Gas or constipation
• Sweating
• Low oxygen levels (shortness of breath)
• Feeling light-headed
• Feelings of extreme happiness or sadness
• Headaches
• Dry mouth

Serious

• Slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop)
• Chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats
• Extreme drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out
• Decreased adrenal gland hormones — nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, feeling tired or light-headed, muscle or joint pain, skin discoloration, craving salty foods
• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take this medicine if you have severe asthma or breathing problems, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus.
• This medicine can slow or stop breathing and may be habit-forming. Misusing opioid medicine can cause addiction, overdose, or death, especially in a child or someone using it without a prescription. Keep it where others cannot get to it.
• Taking opioid medicine during pregnancy may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.
• Fatal side effects can occur if this medicine is combined with alcohol or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow breathing.
• Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug addiction, because misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Selling or giving it away is against the law.
• Just one dose can cause death in someone using this medicine accidentally or improperly, so do not keep leftover medicine.
• Serious breathing problems may be more likely in older adults and people who are debilitated or have wasting syndrome or chronic breathing disorders.
• Morphine may harm an unborn baby. Using it during pregnancy could cause the baby to be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms that may need medical treatment for several weeks. Long-term use may also affect fertility.
• Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine, because morphine in breast milk can cause life-threatening side effects in a nursing baby.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, so they can decide if this medicine is safe for you.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, so they can decide if this medicine is safe for you.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Combining alcohol with this medicine can cause dangerous side effects or death, including rapid release of the extended-release medication.
• Avoid driving or hazardous activities until you know how this medicine affects you, since dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Storage

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F) at controlled room temperature.
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat and moisture.
• Keep capsules in the original, tightly closed container.
• Protect from direct light and avoid hot or humid storage areas.
• Store securely to prevent accidental ingestion, misuse, or unauthorized access.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children and pets.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• A caregiver should give naloxone and/or seek emergency medical help if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue-colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.
• Call your doctor right away if you have slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing, chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, extreme drowsiness, or feeling like you might pass out.
• Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Seek emergency medical attention right away if you suspect an overdose, which can cause severe drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, slow breathing, or no breathing at all.

Alternatives

• Hydrocodone Extended-Release
• Hydromorphone
• Oxycodone Extended-Release
• MS Contin