MST Continus 30 mg tablets (PIL)
Quick summary MST Continus 30 mg tablets contain morphine sulfate, a strong opioid pain medicine. This page summarises the patient information leaflet in plain English, including how it works, common side effects, and key...
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
Quick summary
MST Continus 30 mg tablets contain morphine sulfate, a strong opioid pain medicine. This page summarises the patient information leaflet in plain English, including how it works, common side effects, and key safety points to check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not replace the patient leaflet, a pharmacist’s advice, or guidance from your prescriber. Do not use it to diagnose, start, stop, or change any medicine.
What is MST Continus 30 mg?
MST Continus 30 mg tablets are a brand of morphine sulfate. Morphine is an opioid pain medicine used for severe pain. The tablets are designed to release the medicine slowly over time.
Because it is a prolonged-release medicine, it is intended to provide pain relief for longer than immediate-release painkillers. Always follow the directions on the prescription label and the patient information leaflet.
How does MST Continus work?
MST Continus works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This reduces the way pain signals are felt and can help lower the perception of severe pain.
The slow-release formulation is designed to give a steady effect rather than a quick burst of relief. The leaflet information in the original content states that the effects can last for up to 12 hours.
Important safety information
Before taking MST Continus, check with a doctor or pharmacist if you:
- take other medicines, especially medicines that can cause drowsiness
- have a history of substance misuse or dependence
- have other medical conditions that may affect safe use
- are unsure how to take prolonged-release tablets correctly
What are the side effects of MST Continus 30 mg tablets?
Like all medicines, MST Continus can cause side effects. The original content lists the following common effects:
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Confusion, especially in older patients
Side effects can vary from person to person. If anything feels severe, unusual, or worrying, seek medical advice promptly.
Get urgent help if there are signs such as shallow breathing, severe dizziness, or an allergic reaction with rash or swelling.
How should MST Continus 30 mg tablets be taken?
The original content says MST Continus should be taken:
- by mouth
- with or without food
- exactly as prescribed
- not crushed or chewed
Do not alter prolonged-release tablets unless a healthcare professional has told you to do so. Crushing or chewing can change how the medicine is released.
If you are unsure about the correct way to take the tablets, check the patient leaflet or ask a pharmacist.
What if you miss a dose?
If a dose is missed, the original content advises taking it when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and return to the usual schedule.
Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one. If you are uncertain what to do, ask a healthcare professional for advice.
How long can you take MST Continus?
The length of treatment depends on the reason it was prescribed and how well it is working. The original content notes that regular review is important to check whether treatment is still needed.
Any decision about continuing, reducing, or stopping treatment should be made with a healthcare professional.
What happens if MST Continus is stopped suddenly?
Stopping morphine suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. The original content lists:
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Insomnia
- Muscle aches
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
The article source also notes that gradual reduction under medical guidance may help reduce withdrawal effects.
Other safety points to remember
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines you take.
- Share relevant medical history, including any history of substance misuse or mental health concerns.
- Store the tablets safely and out of reach of children.
- Keep them in a secure place to reduce the risk of misuse.
Quick reference
| Topic | Key point from the content |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Morphine sulfate |
| Medicine type | Opioid pain medicine |
| Release pattern | Slow-release / prolonged-release |
| Duration mentioned in source | Up to 12 hours |
| Common side effects listed | Drowsiness, constipation, nausea, dry mouth, confusion |
FAQs about MST Continus 30 mg tablets
▸ What is MST Continus 30 mg used for?
The original content says it is used for severe pain that needs long-term pain control.
▸ Is MST Continus morphine?
Yes. The content identifies MST Continus as a brand name for morphine sulfate.
▸ How long does it last?
The source content states that the effects can last for up to 12 hours.
▸ Can MST Continus be crushed or chewed?
No. The original content says it should not be crushed or chewed because that may release the medicine too quickly.
▸ Is MST Continus discontinued?
The original content says it had not been discontinued at the time of writing, but availability can change. Check with a pharmacist or prescriber for the latest information.
▸ What should I do if I am unsure about a dose?
Check the patient leaflet, prescription label, or ask a pharmacist or doctor. Do not guess or double up doses.
Safety reminder: If you have severe side effects, breathing problems, or signs of an allergic reaction, seek urgent medical help. For any questions about how to use this medicine safely, speak to a pharmacist or prescriber and refer to the official patient leaflet.
Medical disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always ask a doctor, pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Sources and verification
The following sources or official references are listed to support verification of the medicine information discussed in this article.
- NHS: Morphine
- Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc): Patient Leaflets
- NHS: Opioid medicines
- MST Continus patient information leaflet on emc
To improve this article with specific references, add a custom field named _aio_sources in the post editor and write one source per line using: Source title|Source URL.
Medicine information can change and may vary depending on country, product formulation, patient history and professional guidance. Always check official medicine information and ask a healthcare professional for personal medical questions.