Paregoric (Camphorated opium tincture)
Paregoric
Paregoric
(pair-eh- GOR-ick)
Pregnancy Category: C (C-III) (Rx)

Classification: Antidiarrheal agent, systemic

See Also: See also Narcotic Analgesics .

Action/Kinetics: The active principle of the mixture is opium (0.04% morphine). The preparation also contains benzoic acid, camphor, and anise oil. Morphine increases the muscular tone of the intestinal tract, decreases digestive secretions, and inhibits normal peristalsis. The slowed passage of the feces through the intestines promotes desiccation, which is a function of the time the feces spend in the intestine. t 1/2: 2-3 hr. Duration: 4-5 hr.

Uses: Acute diarrhea.

Contraindications: See Morphine Sulfate. Use in clients with diarrhea caused by poisoning until toxic substance has been eliminated. Treatment of pseudomembranous colitis due to lincomycin, penicillins, and cephalosporins. Rubbing paregoric on the gums of a teething child. Use to treat neonatal opioid dependence.

Side Effects: See Narcotic Analgesics.

Drug Interactions: See Narcotic Analgesics.

How Supplied: Oral Liquid: 2 mg/5 mL

Dosage
?Liquid
Adult: 5-10 mL 1-4 times/day (5 mL contains 2 mg of morphine). Pediatric: 0.25-0.5 mL/kg 1-4 times/day.