Paregoric
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Paregoric, also known as camphorated opium tincture, is a medicine known for its antidiarrhoeal, antitussive, and analgesic properties.
The principal active ingredient of this mixture is morphine (0.4 mg/mL), with other ingredients being benzoic acid, camphor and anise oil.
The main effect of this preparation is to increase the muscular tone of the intestine, and also to inhibit normal peristalsis. Its main medicinal use is to control fulminant diarrhea. It is also an antitussive (cough suppressant).
Paregoric is mainly of historical importance — it was devised in the 18th century, but can still be found in the United States Pharmacopeia. During the 19th century it was a favourite household remedy that was widely used to calm fretful children; it was used sporadically for this purpose until paregoric was regulated in the latter half of the 20th century. Paregoric can mask symptoms of diseases that need urgent medical attention and is generally regarded as outdated.
Paregoric (camphorated tincture of opium) should not be confused with tincture of opium or laudanum. Paregoric contains 0.4 milligrams of morphine per milliliter, while tincture of opium (laudanum) contains 10 milligrams of morphine per milliliter, 25 times more. Confusion between the two drugs has led to overdose and deaths in several patients. The term "paregoric" should always be used instead of "camphorated opium tincture", since the latter may be confused with opium tincture.
Paregoric is a Schedule III drug under the United States Controlled Substances Act.
Problems with its use include: possible opiate dependency.
