Belladonna/Opium rectal - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Who should not use rectal belladonna/opium?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use rectal belladonna/opium.

• B & O Supprettes
• Belladonna
• Opium 
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific rectal belladonna/opium products they stock.

Certain Medical Conditions. Rectal belladonna/opium should not be used if you have any of the following.

• Serious breathing problems, including severe asthma, trouble breathing or slow breathing, or other lung problems
• Blockage of your gut (bowel obstruction) or a narrowing of the stomach or intestines
• Slowed gut movement, or paralytic ileus, which is when your intestines are unable to move food through
• Glaucoma
• Severe liver problems
• Severe kidney problems
• Seizures or convulsions
• Alcohol use disorder or alcohol withdrawal (delirium tremens)
• Premature labor

Past Problems With Opioids. Rectal belladonna/opium should not be used if you have had problems in the past taking an opioid or narcotic medicine.

Drug Interactions. Rectal belladonna/opium should not be used while you are using certain other medicines. Before using rectal belladonna/opium, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using or have used recently. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about rectal belladonna/opium before using it?

Do not use rectal belladonna/opium unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share rectal belladonna/opium with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep rectal belladonna/opium out of the reach of children. Rectal belladonna/opium is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store rectal belladonna/opium in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.

Rectal belladonna/opium comes as a suppository that you will insert into your rectum. Before inserting, remove the suppository from the wrapper and moisten your finger and the suppository with water.

People who are 65 or older or who are weak from illness can be at greater risk of some side effects from rectal belladonna/opium. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in one of these groups.

Long-term use of rectal belladonna/opium may affect your ability to become pregnant or get a partner pregnant. Talk with your health care provider if you have any concerns.

Your health care provider may ask you to keep a medicine called naloxone on hand. Naloxone can be used in case of an emergency to reverse the effects of opioids, including rectal belladonna/opium. Make sure that you and your family, friends, and caregivers know how to use naloxone in case of an overdose. If you have any questions, talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider.

If you have been using rectal belladonna/opium on a regular basis, do not stop using it without talking to your health care provider. Stopping too quickly may cause serious side effects. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. 

• Feeling restless
• Watery eyes or runny nose
• Yawning
• Sweating or chills
• Muscle, joint, or back pain
• Pupils that are bigger than usual (dilated pupils)
• Irritability, anxiety, or trouble sleeping
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite
• Increase in blood pressure, breathing rate, or heart rate

Throw away any expired, unwanted, or unused rectal belladonna/opium right away by taking your medicine to an authorized Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) collection site or medicine take-back program. If one is not available, you can flush the suppositories down the toilet. You can find out more on how to properly throw away your medicines at www.fda.gov/drugdisposal.

What should I tell my health care provider before using rectal belladonna/opium?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if rectal belladonna/opium is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following. 

• Head injury or problems such as brain tumors or increased pressure around the brain
• Breathing or lung problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Liver, kidney, or thyroid problems
• Seizures
• Pancreas or gallbladder problems
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Problems peeing 
• Substance use disorder or living with someone who has this problem
• Alcohol use disorder
• Opioid overdose
• Mental health problems

Pregnancy. Rectal belladonna/opium may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use rectal belladonna/opium while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you use rectal belladonna/opium on a regular basis during pregnancy, your baby may have withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening if not treated. Tell your health care provider if you used rectal belladonna/opium during your pregnancy, especially near the end of your pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Rectal belladonna/opium passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use rectal belladonna/opium while breastfeeding. If you breastfeed while using rectal belladonna/opium, tell your health care provider right away if your baby is more sleepy than usual, and get emergency help if your baby is having trouble breathing or is limp.