The Brompton cocktail is a mixture containing morphine and cocaine in a vehicle of alcohol, syrup, and chloroform water.
The first record of the combined use of morphine and cocaine appeared in the British Medical Journal in 1896. The composition of a morphine-cocaine elixir was first published in the formulary of the Royal Brompton Hospital in London in 1952.
In this, it was called Haustus E and contained:
- morphine hydrochloride: 1/4 grain (15 mg)
- cocaine hydrochloride: 1/6 grain (10 mg)
- alcohol 90%: 30 minims (2 ml)
- syrup: 60 minims (4 ml)
- chloroform water: 1/2 fl. oz. (15 ml)

This was a modification of the earlier formulation, which contained gin and honey instead of alcohol and syrup.
The original inclusion of cocaine was said to counter the sedative effects of morphine and to enhance the patient’s mood and promote sociability. However, two careful studies conducted by Twycross et al. at St. Christopher’s Hospice in the 1970s did not demonstrate any benefit for the inclusion of cocaine. The addition of cocaine was determined to hamper the doctor’s ability to adjust and titrate the dose of morphine. Additionally, some patients, usually the frail or elderly, can have significant adverse effects (restlessness, agitation, confusion) when treated with mixtures containing cocaine.

A considerable number of variations on the Brompton cocktail have been advocated. In Britain, diamorphine (heroin) frequently replaced morphine. Other stimulants (e.g., dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate) have replaced the cocaine. Some recipes included chlorpromazine. The alcohol content was also varied (whisky, sherry, brandy) in an attempt to mask the bitter taste.
The Brompton cocktail has been replaced by a simple morphine or diamorphine solution.

Twycross RG and Lack SA. Symptom control in far advanced cancer: Pain relief. Pitman, 1983. p. 200.