Embeda – Information, Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Drug Trade Name: Embeda

Category: Opioid Analgesic, Opioid Antagonist

Generic Name: morphine sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride                                

Introduction and Quick Information:

Morphine present in Embeda is an opioid analgesic i.e., it acts on opioid receptors present in the brain and thus relieves pain. However, it has a strong addiction liability. Thus, it is usually combined with an opioid antagonist, such as naltrexone. Naltrexone competes with opioid receptors and reduces the habit-forming tendency of morphine.  

Is Embeda Approved by FDA?

Yes, U.S. FDA has approved Embeda to be used as an analgesic.

Usage and Benefits of Embeda:

Embeda is an extended-release painkiller, which is used to treat mild to moderate pain. However, it should not be used on an “as-needed” basis and should be used only when around the clock pain relief is needed for a long period of time.

Embeda Side Effects: 

Some possible side effects of Embeda are:

• mood changes
• hallucinations (hearing or seeing things)
• confusion
• slow heart rate
• weak pulse
• fainting
• seizure (convulsions)
• shallow or weak breathing (breathing may stop)
• severe constipation
• stomach pain
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• nausea
• constipation
• anxiety
• tired feeling
• vomiting
• blurred vision
• diarrhea
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• headache

Seek emergency medical help if you are experiencing any of the mentioned side-effects.

General Recommended Dosages of Embeda:

Use Embeda in the dose prescribed by your doctor. Because of its major side-effects, Embeda is usually prescribed in the lowest possible dose, considering the patient’s condition. Your doctor may reduce the dose further at the advent of some side-effects.

Remember that every dosage has to be spaced minimum 12 hours apart.

Don’t chew, crush, or dissolve the drug pellets. Swallow the pill as a whole. 

In Case I Miss the Dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if its almost time for the next dose, take the scheduled dose.

In Case I Take Overdose?

Overdose symptoms include extreme limp feeling or drowsiness, clammy and cold skin, pinpoint or dilated pupils, shallow breathing, weak pulse, trouble breathing.

Embeda overdose can be fatal. Hence, seek immediate medical help in case of overdose.

Drug Interactions of Embeda:

Some of the common drugs which can cause complications when taken with Embeda are:

• a diuretic (water pill)
• quinidine (Quinidex, Quinaglute, Quin-Release)
• bronchodilator like tiotropium (Spiriva) or ipratropium (Atrovent)
• belladonna (Donnatal, etc), atropine (Sal-Tropine, Atreza), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), benztropine (Cogentin), scopolamine (Transderm-Scop) or methscopolamine (Pamine)
• irritable bowel or ulcer medication
• antibiotics like clarithromycin (Biaxin) or erythromycin (EryPed, E.E.S., Erythrocin, Ery-Tab)
• urinary or bladder medications like tolterodine (Detrol)
• antifungal medications like ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox)
• anti-hypertensives or anti-arrhythmic drugs like diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia), amiodarone (Pacerone, Cordarone), nicardipine (Cardene), felodipine (Plendil), or verapamil (Covera, Calan, Verelan, Isoptin)
• anti-retroviral medications like ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra) or indinavir (Crixivan)

However, there are many more drugs which can interact with Embeda. Hence, inform your doctor about all the drugs you are consuming.

Lifestyle and Food Habits You Must Follow When on Embeda:

Refrain from consuming tobacco, alcohol, and nicotine when on Embeda. Adequate nutrition and hydration can enhance the positive effects of Embeda.

Before starting the drug, inform your physician if you have a kidney or liver disease, breathing disorder, head injury, brain tumor, underactive thyroid, pancreas or gallbladder disorders, a curvature of the spine, a blockage in intestines or stomach, enlarged prostate, Addison’s disease, bladder disorders, etc.

Do not take Embeda if you are allergic to narcotic medicine or have asthma as Embeda can aggravate the breathing discomfort associated with asthma.

How Safe is Embeda for Pregnant Women or Nursing Mothers?

Consumption of Embeda during pregnancy can cause physical dependency in neonates. Pain should be relieved using non-opioid analgesics in pregnant mothers.

Morphine and Naltrexone are excreted in human milk. Morphine in nursing infants can cause drowsiness, depression of central nervous system and even death.

Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or lactating.

Complications and Conditions Due to Prolonged Use of Embeda:

Any narcotic drug is known for its addiction liability i.e., Embeda can be minimally habit-forming despite the presence of Naltrexone. Hence, sudden stoppage of the drug can cause withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, consult your doctor before stopping the drug.

Availability of Embeda:

Because of its high potential abuse and tendency to be misused, Embeda is available on prescription only.