PAREGORIC (CAMPHORATED OPIUM TINCTURE)
(par-e-gor'ik)
Classifications: gastrointestinal agent; antidiarrheal; central nervous system agent; narcotic (opiate) agonist analgesic
Prototype: Loperamide
Pregnancy Category: B (D for prolonged use or high doses at term)
Controlled Substance: Schedule III
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2 mg/mL liquid
Contains 2 mg anhydrous morphine, alcohol, benzoic acid, camphor, and anise oil. Pharmacologic activity is due to morphine
content.
Increases smooth muscle tone of GI tract, decreases motility and effective propulsive peristalsis while diminishing digestive
secretions. Delayed transit of intestinal contents results in desiccation of feces and constipation.
Short-term treatment for symptomatic relief of acute diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
Hypersensitivity to opium alkaloids; diarrhea caused by poisons (until eliminated); pregnancy [(category B), with prolonged
use or high doses at term (category D)].
Asthma; liver disease; history of opiate agonist dependence; severe prostatic hypertrophy, lactation.
Acute Diarrhea
Adult: PO 5–10 mL after loose bowel movement, may be administered q2h up to q.i.d. if needed
Child: PO 0.25–0.5 mL/kg 1–4 times/d
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Oral
- Give paregoric in sufficient water (2 or 3 swallows) to ensure its passage into the stomach (mixture will appear milky).
GI: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain. Body as a Whole: Dizziness, faintness, drowsiness, facial flushing, sweating, physical dependence.
Drug:
Alcohol and other cns depressants add to CNS effects.
Absorption: Readily absorbed from GI tract. Duration: 4–5 h. Distribution: Crosses placenta; distributed into breast milk. Metabolism: Metabolized in liver. Elimination: Excreted in urine. Half-Life: 2–3 h.
Assessment & Drug Effects
- Paregoric may worsen the course of infection-associated diarrhea by delaying the elimination of pathogens.
- Be aware that adverse effects are primarily due to morphine content. Paregoric abuse results because of the narcotic content
of the drug.
- Assess for fluid and electrolyte imbalance until diarrhea has stopped.
Patient & Family Education
- Adhere strictly to prescribed dosage schedule.
- Maintain bed rest if diarrhea is severe with a high level of fluid loss.
- Replace fluids and electrolytes as needed for diarrhea. Drink warm clear liquids and avoid dairy products, concentrated sweets,
and cold drinks until diarrhea stops.
- Observe character and frequency of stools. Discontinue drug as soon as diarrhea is controlled. Report promptly to physician
if diarrhea persists more than 3 d, if fever is >38.8° C (102° F), abdominal pain develops, or if mucus or blood
is passed.
- Understand that constipation is often a consequence of antidiarrheal treatment and a normal elimination pattern is usually
established as dietary intake increases.
- Do not breast feed while taking this drug without consulting physician.
1%)
Canadian drug name; 
Prototype drug