Opioid (mixture)

Opium tincture

Opium tincture is a concentrated opioid preparation derived from opium, historically used for the symptomatic relief of severe or refractory diarrhoea.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Its opioid alkaloids, chiefly morphine, act on gut opioid receptors to reduce intestinal motility and secretions, decreasing stool frequency.

Prescribing in practice

It is a potent controlled opioid with a high risk of confusion with the much weaker camphorated opium tincture and with opioid toxicity and dependence, so the exact preparation and strength must be verified to avoid serious dosing errors.
Avoid antimotility opioid use in conditions where reduced motility is harmful, such as acute inflammatory or infective colitis.
Standard opioid precautions apply, including respiratory depression and interactions with other CNS depressants.

Monitoring

Monitor for opioid effects including sedation and respiratory depression, as well as bowel response and hydration.

Counselling the patient

Maintain hydration with rehydration solutions during diarrhoea.
It can cause drowsiness; avoid alcohol and do not take more than prescribed.

Evidence & guidelines

Rehydration is the cornerstone of diarrhoea management per NICE and gastroenterology guidance, with opioid antimotility preparations reserved for selected refractory cases.

Reference: Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways