Opium preparation Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

Skip to main content
Print
Save

# Opium preparation

Generic name: opium preparation [ OH-pee-um-PREP-a-RAY-tion ]
Dosage form: oral tincture (10% (equivalent to morphine 10 mg/mL))
Drug class: Opioids (narcotic analgesics)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 28, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is opium preparation?

Opium preparation (sometimes called "opium tincture") is an opioid medication that is used to treat diarrhea. opium preparation is not for use as an opioid pain medicine.

Opium preparation may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

MISUSE OF OPIOID MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

## Before taking this medicine

Do not use opium preparation if the safety seal on the cap is broken or missing.

You should not use opium preparation to treat diarrhea that is caused by poisoning (until the toxin is no longer in the digestive tract).

Do not give this medicine to a child.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

- asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem;

- a head injury, brain tumor, or seizure;

- cirrhosis or other liver disease;

- stomach bleeding; or

- alcoholism or drug addiction.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

## Related/similar drugs

loperamide, Imodium, Lomotil, neomycin, Pepto-Bismol, bismuth subsalicylate

## How should I take opium preparation?

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use opium preparation in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.

Never share opioid medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away opioid medicine is against the law.

Opium preparation is usually taken 1 to 4 times daily to treat diarrhea. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An opioid overdose can be fatal, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, slow breathing, or no breathing.

Your doctor may recommend you get naloxone (a medicine to reverse an opioid overdose) and keep it with you at all times. A person caring for you can give the naloxone if you stop breathing or don't wake up. Your caregiver must still get emergency medical help and may need to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on you while waiting for help to arrive.

Anyone can buy naloxone from a pharmacy or local health department. Make sure any person caring for you knows where you keep naloxone and how to use it.

## What should I avoid while taking opium preparation?

Avoid using any other anti-diarrhea medications that your doctor has not prescribed.

## Opium preparation side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Opium preparation may cause serious side effects. Stop using opium preparation and call your doctor at once if you have:

- weak or shallow breathing;

- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

- low blood sugar--headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky.

Serious breathing problems may be more likely in older adults and in those who are debilitated or have wasting syndrome or chronic breathing disorders.

Common side effects of opium preparation may include:

- nausea, vomiting;

- constipation; or

- itching, rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Opium side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect opium preparation?

Using opium preparation with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect opium preparation, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Opium drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about opium

- Check interactions
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (29)
- Side effects
- Drug class: Opioids (narcotic analgesics)
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading
- Opium Tincture

#### Other brands

Paregoric

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Diarrhea

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.01.