For painful wounds, MH-containing semi-solid and fluid hydrogels displayed satisfactory pharmaceutical, microbiological and physicochemical properties, making them a stable, safe and suitable for use in hospital contexts. Morphine is known for its potential benefits like dose reduction, compound formulations and fewer side effects, which make it a suitable component for wound healing.

This study developed and assessed two containing stable, sterile carboxymethylcellulose sodium-based hydrogels, comprising 1.0% w/w and 0.125% w/w morphine hydrochloride (MH) for fluid formulation ((F2-MH) and semi-solid formulation (F1-MH), respectively. The critical quality attributes (CQA) and quality target product profile (QTPP) of the hydrogels were defined using a risk assessment approach to sustain safety and product quality. Gels were translucent, homogeneous, and of yellow colour with suitable pharmaceutical and microbiological properties. The selection of active substance concentration was adjusted as per the dose-metering device characteristics. Franz diffusion cells and different kinetic models were used to examine release profiles and for characterization.

A prolonged drug release was obtained due to increased gel viscosity, improved patient compliance and concede for the decline of the number of applications. At room temperature, the gel found to be stable for up to 60 days. All these findings suggest that MH-containing gels a suitable option for pain management and wound healing in burn and cancer palliative care patients.