Opium preparation (sometimes called "opium tincture") is an opioid medication that is used to treat diarrhea. This medicine is not for use as an opioid pain medicine.

Opium preparation may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use this medicine if the safety seal on the cap is broken or missing.

You should not use opium preparation to treat diarrhea that is caused by poisoning (until the toxin is no longer in the digestive tract).

Do not give this medicine to a child.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem;
• a head injury, brain tumor, or seizure;
• cirrhosis or other liver disease;
• stomach bleeding; or
• alcoholism or drug addiction.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Use Opium Preparation (Opium Deodorized) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using opium preparation and call your doctor at once if you have:

• weak or shallow breathing;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
• low blood sugar--headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky.

Serious breathing problems may be more likely in older adults and in those who are debilitated or have wasting syndrome or chronic breathing disorders.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting;
• constipation; or
• itching, rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Avoid using any other anti-diarrhea medications that your doctor has not prescribed.