What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Butorphanol and morphine
Morphine's FDA label of July 13, 2026 names butorphanol in its drug interactions section; butorphanol's label does not name morphine itself but warns about its class (Opioids (opioid agonists)). The morphine label: “May reduce the analgesic effect of MS CONTIN and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms.”
Check it at the source: the butorphanol FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 2, 2026, Hospira, Inc.); the morphine FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 13, 2026, Bryant Ranch Prepack).
What does the butorphanol label say about morphine?
Butorphanol's label does not name morphine itself; it warns about its class (Opioids (opioid agonists)):
Butorphanol label, warningsLife-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended.
Butorphanol label, boxed warningSERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF BUTORPHANOL TARTRATE INJECTION Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of Butorphanol Tartrate Injection exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see WARNINGS ].
Source: FDA drug label (Butorphanol Tartrate), Hospira, Inc., effective January 2, 2026 (SPL set 9822ca3f-aee2-46e5-8a96-495400e65d10), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the morphine label say about butorphanol?
Morphine label, drug interactionsClinical Impact: May reduce the analgesic effect of morphine sulfate and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use. Examples: butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine Muscle Relaxants
Morphine label, warnings and precautionsAdditionally, avoid the use of mixed agonist/antagonist (e.g., pentazocine, nalbuphine, and butorphanol) or partial agonist (e.g., buprenorphine) analgesics in patients who have received or are receiving a course of therapy with a full opioid agonist analgesic, including morphine sulfate.
Morphine Sulfate label (Fresenius Kabi, USA LLC, August 31, 2026), warnings and precautionsAvoid the use of mixed agonist/antagonist (e.g., pentazocine, nalbuphine, and butorphanol) or partial agonist (e.g., buprenorphine) analgesics in patients who are receiving a full opioid agonist analgesic, including Morphine Sulfate Injection.
Source: FDA drug label (Ms Contin, NDA019516), Rhodes Pharmaceuticals LLC, effective August 14, 2026 (SPL set c354b3bf-86c0-4bb8-8b1f-be2164942698), via openFDA
Source: FDA drug label (Morphine sulfate), ANDA078761 (Sun Pharm Inds Ltd), as published by Bryant Ranch Prepack, effective July 13, 2026 (SPL set 595243fe-a4b1-479a-99d6-a084a4181891), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Butorphanol | Morphine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain | Pain |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $15.46 per mL 10 mg/mL spray | $0.226 per tablet 15 mg tablet |
| Shortage now | No current entry | In shortage |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once