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- What is tincture of opium-oral liquid, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What brand names are available for tincture of opium-oral liquid?
- Is tincture of opium-oral liquid available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for tincture of opium-oral liquid?
- What are the side effects of tincture of opium-oral liquid?
- What is the dosage for tincture of opium-oral liquid?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with tincture of opium-oral liquid?
- Is tincture of opium-oral liquid safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about tincture of opium-oral liquid?
What is tincture of opium-oral liquid, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Opium tincture is an oral liquid medication used to control diarrhea. Opium tincture contains morphine which is an opioid pain reliever. Opioids can reduce gastrointestinal motility, propulsion, secretions, and increase gastrointestinal muscle tone. These effects help in controlling diarrhea. Opium tincture is a controlled substance.
What are the side effects of tincture of opium-oral liquid?
Side effects of opium tincture are:
- sedation,
- constipation,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- itching, and
- rash.
Respiratory depression and physical and psychological dependence also occur.
What is the dosage for tincture of opium-oral liquid?
- Adults: Take 0.6 ml by mouth 4 times a day not to exceed 6 ml per day.
- Children: Safe and effective use of opium tincture is not established in children.
Which drugs or supplements interact with tincture of opium-oral liquid?
Opium tincture should not be used with medications like naltrexone and buprenorphine because they increase sedation and lower beneficial effect of opium tincture.
Opium tincture contains morphine. Morphine should be avoided in patients treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) due to enhance toxicity of morphine including confusion, high blood pressure, tremor, hyperactivity, coma, and death. Drugs in this class include isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), selegiline (Eldepryl), and procarbazine (Matulane), and linezolid (Zyvox). Morphine should not be administered within 14 days of stopping an MAOI.
Is tincture of opium-oral liquid safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies done on opium tincture to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women.
Opium tincture contains morphine. Morphine is excreted in breast milk; however, the American Academy of Pediatrics committee states that it is safe to use while breastfeeding.
What else should I know about tincture of opium-oral liquid?
What preparations of tincture of opium-oral liquid are available?
Opium tincture is odorless oral liquid containing 10 mg of anhydrous morphine per one ml.
How should I keep tincture of opium-oral liquid stored?
Store tincture of opium at room temperature between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C).
Quick GuideDigestive Disorders: Common Misconceptions

Summary
Opium tincture is a controlled substance prescribed to treat diarrhea. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
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