Opium Preparations (Systemic)

Proper Use of This Medicine

This medicine is to be taken by mouth even if it comes in a dropper bottle. The amount you should take is to be measured with the special dropper provided with your prescription and diluted with water just before you take each dose. This will cause the medicine to turn milky in color, but it will still work.

If your prescription does not come in a dropper bottle and the directions on the bottle say to take it by the teaspoonful, it is not necessary to dilute it before using.

If this medicine upsets your stomach, your doctor may want you to take it with food.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This is especially important for young children and for elderly patients, who are especially sensitive to the effects of opium preparations. If too much is taken, this medicine may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence) or lead to problems because of an overdose.

Dosing - The dose of these medicines will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

For opium tincture (laudanum)
• For oral liquid dosage form (drops):
  • For diarrhea:
    • Adults - 5 to 16 drops of liquid, measured with the dropper in the bottle and mixed with a little water, four times a day until diarrhea is controlled.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For paregoric
• For oral liquid dosage form:
  • For diarrhea:
    • Adults - 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls one to four times a day until diarrhea is controlled. Use a measuring spoon to measure the dose. An ordinary household teaspoon that is used at the table may not hold the right amount of medicine.
    • Children 2 years of age and older - 0.25 to 0.5 milliliters (mL) (4 to 8 drops), mixed with a little water, one to four times a day until diarrhea is controlled. This amount of medicine must be measured with a dropper or a special measuring device that can be used for very small amounts of liquid. If you did not receive a dropper or measuring device with the medicine, check with your pharmacist.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses .

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children. Overdose is very dangerous in young children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the container for this medicine tightly closed to prevent the alcohol from evaporating and the medicine from becoming stronger.
• Do not store this medicine in the refrigerator or allow the medicine to freeze. If it does get cold and you notice any solid particles in it, throw it away.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.