What is Opium preparation?
Opium preparation, also known as "opium tincture", is an opioid medication used to treat diarrhea. Opium preparation should not be used as an opioid pain medication.
This medication guide does not list all possible uses for opium preparation.
Side effects of Opium preparation
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat. Seek medical assistance immediately.
Opium preparation may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Weak or shallow breathing
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Low sugar—headache; sweating; irritability; and dizziness. Rapid heart rate.
Severe breathing problems are more common in elderly adults, especially those with wasting syndrome and chronic breathing disorders.
Some of the common side effects associated with opium preparation include:
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Constipation
- Itching, rash.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Loperamide, Imodium, Neomycin, Lomotil, Pepto-Bismol, and Imodium A-D
Warnings
Misuse of opioid medication can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Store the medication where others cannot reach it.
Before you take this drug
If the safety seal is missing or broken on the cap, do not use the opium preparation.
If you have diarrhea caused by poisoning, do not use an opium preparation until the toxin has left the digestive system.Children should not take this medication.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Asthma or emphysema;
- A head injury, brain tumor, or seizure;
- Liver disease, or cirrhosis.
- Stomach bleeding;
- Drug abuse or alcoholism.
This medicine is not known to harm a baby in utero. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.
How to take opium?
Read all the instructions on the label of your medication and follow them. Do not use more opium or longer than prescribed. If you are feeling a greater urge to take this medication, tell your doctor.Do not share opioid medication with anyone, especially if they have a history of drug abuse. Misuse can cause overdose or death. Store the medication in a safe place that others can't reach. It is illegal to sell or give away opioid medication.
To treat diarrhea, opium preparations are usually taken between 1 and 4 times per day. Dosage instructions should be followed very closely.Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of a medicine at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. An overdose of opioids can be deadly, especially if the person is a child or if they are using them without a prescription.
You may be advised by your doctor to carry Naloxone with you all the time (a medicine that reverses an overdose). If you stop breathing or do not wake up, a person who cares for you can administer naloxone. You must still call for emergency medical assistance, and your carer may have to perform CPR on you while they wait.
Naloxone can be purchased at any local pharmacy or health department. You should make sure that anyone who cares for you is aware of where and how you store your naloxone.
What should be avoided?
Do not use any other anti diarrhea medication that hasn't been prescribed by your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Ask your doctor if you are considering taking an opioid, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, or medications for anxiety or seizures.
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal preparations, may also affect the opium preparation. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using.
