How do I use my medication?

Tablet or Capsule
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water as directed by your physician or hospice nurse.

Morphine LA Capsules (Kadian®)
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water as directed by your physician or hospice nurse.  The capsules may be opened and the contents sprinkled on applesauce or pudding (at room temperature or cooler) immediately prior to ingestion. Do not chew, crush or dissolve the pellets inside the capsule. Rinse mouth to ensure all the pellets have been swallowed. Do not separate into multiple doses; the entire portion should be taken.  The capsule contents may also be added to juice and administered immediately or delivered via gastric or nasogastric tube by either adding to or following with liquid.

Methadone Dispersible Tablets
Take methadone dispersible tablets by mouth, after dissolving as directed. Do not chew or swallow the tablets before dispersing the tablets in liquid. Follow the directions on the prescription label or as directed by your doctor or nurse. Disperse tablets (tablet will not completely dissolve) in 3 to 4 ounces (= 90 to 120 mL) of water, orange juice, or other acidic fruit beverage prior to taking. This will take roughly 1 minute. Stir well.

Suspension or Solution
Liquid medicine may be swallowed or placed under the tongue. They can also be mixed with a small amount of water, milk, juice, applesauce, or pudding.

Suppository
To use the suppository, peel away the protective wrapping.  Wash your hands before using the suppository. Lie down on your side. Insert the pointed end of the suppository well into your rectum. Throw away the wrapping and wash your hands again.

Topical Gel
The gel is for topical use only. Follow the directions for using this medication as instructed by your hospice nurse or doctor. Gently rub the gel down to one end of the packet. Use the tear-notch or scissors to open the packet. Use a gloved hand or applicator, like a cotton swab, when applying the gel. It is recommended to apply the gel to a thin, hairless area of intact skin as directed by the physician. Do not apply to open areas or sores on the skin.

Fentanyl Topical Patch (Duragesic)
This patch is for topical use only.  Follow the directions as indicated on your prescription label and/or those given to you by your hospice nurse or doctor.  This patch should be applied to clean, undamaged skin only - Do not apply the patch to oily, broken, burned, cut, or irritated skin  If the area needs to be cleaned before application, gently clean skin with water only, pat dry - Do not use soap or alcohol because this can alter the effects of the medication.  Do not scrub or shave the skin prior to applying this patch as this can interfere with the normal effects of the medication - If the area is hairy, clip the hair with scissors, but do not shave it. Take the patch out of its wrapper, and take off the protective strip over the adhesive. Do not touch the adhesive with your fingers. Press the adhesive surface to the skin using the palm of your hand and hold it for 30 seconds. Be sure the edges stick to the skin. Wash your hands at once. Apply each new patch to a different area of skin to avoid irritation. If a patch comes off or causes irritation, remove it and apply a new patch to different site. Do not take the patch out of its pouch before using, and do not use a patch if the packaging or backing has been damaged. To get rid of used patches, fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together. Then, flush it down the toilet. Replace the patch every 3 days (72 hours) or as directed by your prescriber or health care professional.    

Lidocaine topical patch (Lidoderm®)
This medicine is for topical use only. Follow the directions for using this medication as instructed by your hospice nurse or doctor. Apply lidocaine patches over the most painful areas of skin. Make sure the skin does not have any open sores or rashes. You may apply up to 3 patches to different skin areas at one time. Leave the patches on for only 12 hours. After a patch has been on your skin for up to 12 hours, remove the patch and throw it away. Do not apply another patch or patches for at least 12 hours after removing patch. If you use more than 3 patches at a time or leave a patch on your skin for more than 12 hours, you may have serious side effects. Patches may be cut into smaller sizes with scissors before removing the adhesive liner. You may wear clothing over the patches.  The patches may be worn during bathing or showering.

Lidoderm topical gel or ointment (Xylocaine® topical gel or ointment)
This medicine is for topical use only. Follow the directions for using this medication as instructed by your hospice nurse or doctor. Use a gloved hand or applicator, like a cotton swab or cotton ball, when applying this medicine. It is not recommended to apply to open wounds or sores on the skin.  Do not insert this medicine into the rectum or vagina.

Lidocaine oral solution (Xylocaine® viscous)
The oral solution can be swished around the mouth or gargled, then spit out. Do not swallow this medicine unless you have been told to. Follow the directions as indicated on your prescription label and/or those given to you by your hospice nurse or doctor. If you have a sore place in your mouth, you can apply lidocaine with a cotton-tipped applicator. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure the solution.



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This website is not intended as medical advice and is for informational purposes only.  In the case of an emergency, please dial 911.
Pain Meds FAQs
Pain Meds FAQs