Kadian
Kadian is an opioid pain medication containing an extended-release formulation of morphine sulfate. It is designed to release morphine slowly over a 12 to 24-hour period to manage chronic, severe pain. Due to the high risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse, Kadian is reserved for cases where alternative non-opioid or immediate-release opioid therapies are insufficient.
Dosage by Body Weight
Kadian must be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider. The capsules should be swallowed whole, or the capsule can be opened and the pellets sprinkled onto a small amount of applesauce to be swallowed immediately without chewing. Crushing, chewing, dissolving, or snorting the pellets can cause rapid release of morphine, leading to a potentially fatal overdose.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not administer
- Tracking Notes
- Kadian is not indicated or safe for infants or low-weight pediatric patients.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not administer
- Tracking Notes
- Extended-release morphine is contraindicated for routine pediatric pain management in this weight range.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not administer
- Tracking Notes
- Highly potent Schedule II opioid. Risk of fatal respiratory depression. Pediatric dosing must only be handled by a specialist.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not administer
- Tracking Notes
- Do not use unless explicitly prescribed and customized by a pediatric pain specialist.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not administer
- Tracking Notes
- Standard pediatric weight-based dosing guidelines do not exist for this extended-release formulation.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | Do not administer | Kadian is not indicated or safe for infants or low-weight pediatric patients. |
| 5-7 kg | Not recommended | Do not administer | Extended-release morphine is contraindicated for routine pediatric pain management in this weight range. |
| 8-10 kg | Not recommended | Do not administer | Highly potent Schedule II opioid. Risk of fatal respiratory depression. Pediatric dosing must only be handled by a specialist. |
| 11-15 kg | Not recommended | Do not administer | Do not use unless explicitly prescribed and customized by a pediatric pain specialist. |
| 16-20 kg | Not recommended | Do not administer | Standard pediatric weight-based dosing guidelines do not exist for this extended-release formulation. |
Formulation
Purpose
Management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate.
Generic Name
Morphine sulfate (Extended-Release)Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.