morphine (Skyepharma)

Extended-release epidural morphine (marketed as DepoDur) is a specialized liposomal formulation of morphine sulfate designed for single-dose epidural administration to provide prolonged postoperative analgesia. It utilizes the proprietary DepoFoam multivesicular liposome technology, which encapsulates the drug in microscopic lipid-based chambers that release morphine slowly into the epidural space over a period of up to 48 hours. This delivery system is intended to provide sustained pain relief following major orthopedic, abdominal, or pelvic surgeries, potentially eliminating the need for indwelling epidural catheters and reducing the frequency of supplemental opioid administration. Originally developed by SkyePharma and later managed by Endo Pharmaceuticals and Pacira BioSciences, DepoDur received FDA approval in 2004. However, it was later discontinued from the market for commercial reasons. Clinical research has also evaluated its use in pediatric populations, such as for managing acute pain following selective dorsal rhizotomy.

Brand names

DepoDur

Other names

morphine sulfate extended-release liposome injectionEREMextended-release epidural morphinesustained-relief morphinesustained-release epidural morphine