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Overview: Opium tincture is used to treat certain types of diarrhea. Only take this medicine for diarrhea that your health care provider has evaluated. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, vomiting, itchy skin, or hives. Before taking opium tincture, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking. Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Uses

What is opium tincture used for?

Opium tincture is commonly used to treat certain types of diarrhea.

Opium tincture may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Note: The FDA has not found this medicine to be safe and effective, and the label is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about unapproved drugs here.

How does opium tincture work (mechanism of action)?

Opium tincture works by slowing down the movements of the intestines.

How is opium tincture supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Opium tincture

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 10 mg/mL of anhydrous morphine deodorized tincture

How should I store opium tincture?

Opium tincture should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of opium tincture?

The most common side effects of opium tincture are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Itchy skin or hives

There may be other side effects of opium tincture that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of opium tincture?

While less common, the most serious side effects of opium tincture are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Opium tincture may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking opium tincture and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Risk of Misuse and Addiction. Misusing opium tincture can lead to serious side effects, such as coma or death. Misuse means taking a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Take opium tincture exactly as prescribed. Tell your health care provider if you feel that the opium tincture is not working. Call your health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.

  • Sudden confusion or feeling disoriented
  • Feeling paranoid
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions
  • Seizures
  • Trouble breathing

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use opium tincture?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take opium tincture.

  • Opium tincture
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

Children. Opium tincture should not be used in children. 

Diarrhea From Toxins. Opium tincture should not be used to treat diarrhea caused by toxins until the toxic material is gone. Examples of diarrhea caused by toxins are Clostridioides difficile and Escherichia coli. 

What should I know about opium tincture before using it?

Do not take opium tincture unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

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

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

Opium tincture is a type of opioid and may cause serious breathing problems when combined with alcohol or other medicines that can cause sleepiness.  Be sure to tell your health care provider of all medicines you are taking. See the Interactions section for more information.

Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend the right measuring device.

Opium tincture can cause physical dependence, which means your body relies on the medicine. If you stop opium tincture suddenly, it could lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may require you to go to the hospital. Physical dependence is not necessarily a sign that you have developed a substance use disorder. Do not stop taking opium tincture without talking with your health care provider. Your health care provider can tell you how to stop using opium tincture to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions. Call your health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.

  • Sweating
  • Unusual shaking 
  • Feeling unusually hot or cold
  • Runny nose
  • Watery eyes
  • Goosebumps
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Muscle aches

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

What should I tell my health care provider before using opium tincture?

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 determine if opium tincture 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 any of the following.

  • Increased pressure around the brain
  • Narrowing of blood vessels in the brain
  • Liver problems
  • Breathing problems, such as asthma or emphysema
  • Bleeding in the stomach, intestines, or other parts of the digestive system
  • Thyroid problems
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Substance use disorder

Other Medicines and Supplements. Opium tincture may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking opium tincture, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Opium tincture may harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Using opium tincture for a long time while you are pregnant can cause your newborn baby to have withdrawal symptoms (neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome), which can be life-threatening. Tell your health care provider if you took opium tincture during your pregnancy, especially near the end of your pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Opium tincture 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 take opium tincture while breastfeeding. Tell your health care provider right away or get emergency help if your baby has trouble breathing, staying awake, or feeding. 

Interactions

Does opium tincture interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between opium tincture and foods or drinks.

It is important not to take opium tincture with alcohol. The combination of opium tincture and alcohol may cause breathing problems that may be life-threatening. 

Does opium tincture interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any medicines that cause dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with opium tincture. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much opium tincture?

If you or someone else has used too much opium tincture, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of opium tincture?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.