Further development of a morphine hydrogel suppository.

1. A sustained release monolithic morphine hydrogel suppository (MHS) was developed and administered to five volunteers. 2. The MHS delivered a mean of 55 mg morphine over 12 h. The mean plasma morphine concentration was 15 ng ml-1 from 2 to 12 h after administration. 3. Plasma morphine concentrations were comparable with those reported for the same dose given orally over the same time period. 4. The morphine hydrogel suppository appears to be an effective means of delivering morphine and may be of value in the management of chronic pain.