Search
paregoric
Camphorated tincture of opium. DEA controlled substance. Class 2 [1], 3 [2].
Indications:
1) symptomatic treatment of diarrhea
2) neonatal opiate dependence, opiate withdrawal
Contraindications:
Pregnancy category: B
Dosage: (1/25 as much morphine as tincture of opium)
1) adults: 5-10 mL 1-4 times daily
2) children: 0.25-0.5 mL/kg QD-QID
3) 5 mL = 1-2 mg of morphine
Pharmacokinetics:
1) metabolized by the liver
2) metabolites excreted in the urine
Adverse effects:
1) common (> 10%)
- constipation, weakness, hypotension, drowsiness, dizziness
2) less common (1-10%)
- ureteral spasms, restlessness, headache, malaise, decreased urination, histamine release
3) 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
4) in usual anti-diarrheal dosages, paregoric does NOT result in analgesia or euphoria
Mechanism of action:
1) increases smooth muscle tone of GI tract
2) inhibits GI motility
3) diminishes digestive secretions
Related
opium
General
anti-motility agent; antiperistaltic agent
opiate
pharmaceutical herb; medicinal herb; herbal supplement; botanical
References
- Drug Information & Medication Formulary, Veterans Affairs,
Central California Health Care System, 1st ed., Ravnan et al
eds, 1998
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California Regional Drug
Formulary, 1998