paregoric

Introduction

Camphorated tincture of opium. DEA controlled substance. Class 2, 3.

Indications

• symptomatic treatment of diarrhea
• neonatal opiate dependence, opiate withdrawal

Contraindications

Pregnancy category: B

Dosage

(1/25 as much morphine as tincture of opium)

• adults: 5-10 mL 1-4 times daily
• children: 0.25-0.5 mL/kg QD-QID
• 5 mL = 1-2 mg of morphine

Pharmacokinetics

• metabolized by the liver
• metabolites excreted in the urine

Adverse effects

• common (> 10%)
  • constipation, weakness, hypotension, drowsiness, dizziness
• less common (1-10%)
  • ureteral spasms, restlessness, headache, malaise, decreased urination, histamine release
• uncommon (< 1%)
  • insomnia, anorexia, epigastric cramps, depression, peripheral vasodilation, nausea/vomiting, miosis, biliary or urinary tract spasm, respiratory depression, increased intracranial pressure, physical & psychologic dependence
• in usual anti-diarrheal dosages, paregoric does NOT result in analgesia or euphoria

Mechanism of action

• increases smooth muscle tone of GI tract
• inhibits GI motility
• diminishes digestive secretions

More general terms

• anti-motility agent; antiperistaltic agent
• opiate
• pharmaceutical herb; medicinal herb; herbal supplement

Additional terms

• opium