Extended-release

morphine

MS Contin

Safety Verdicts

Crush

✕Do not

1) ] Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the tablets [see Dosage and Administration (2.

FDA label

Split

✕Do not

Instruct patients to swallow MS CONTIN tablets whole.

FDA label

Open Capsule

—N/A

Capsule-opening is not addressed for this product (tablet form, or no guidance given).

Textbook

Formulation Mechanism

Textbook

Extended-release formulations meter the drug out over many hours using a matrix, coating, or osmotic system. Crushing or cutting destroys that control and can release the entire dose at once (dose dumping).

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03

This tool shows mechanism, verdict, and alternative data only — not patient-specific advice. A “can crush” result is a general guide, not a guarantee for your exact product: the same ingredient can differ by brand, manufacturer, and formulation. Data comes from U.S. drug labels and covers a limited set of medicines — if a drug isn’t listed, that is not a green light to crush it. Always confirm with your pharmacist or physician before altering how a medication is administered.