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Deodorized tincture of opium (10 mg/mL morphine): Pediatric drug information

Deodorized tincture of opium (10 mg/mL morphine): Pediatric drug information
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Therapeutic Category
  • Analgesic, Opioid;
  • Antidiarrheal
Dosing: Neonatal

Dosage guidance:

Safety: Doses are expressed in mg/kg dosing units of morphine. Use a 25-fold dilution of opium tincture (final concentration: 0.4 mg/mL morphine); doses should be prescribed as mg/kg of morphine, not by volume.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome

Neonatal abstinence syndrome: Limited data available: Note: Use is highly discouraged due to increased risk of error and possible morphine overdose related to confusion of dosing units and dilutions; additional precautions should be taken (Ref): Full-term neonates: Oral: Initial: 0.04 mg/kg/dose of a 0.4 mg/mL solution with feedings every 4 hours; increase as needed by 0.04 mg/kg/dose of a 0.4 mg/mL solution every 4 hours until withdrawal symptoms are controlled (Ref). Stabilize withdrawal symptoms for 3 to 5 days, then gradually decrease the dosage (keeping the same dosage interval) over a 2- to 4-week period (Ref)

Dosing: Adult

(For additional information see "Deodorized tincture of opium (10 mg/mL morphine): Drug information")

Dosage guidance:

Safety: Opium tincture contains morphine 10 mg/mL. Use caution in ordering, dispensing, and/or administering. Doses may be expressed in mg (milligram) dosing units of morphine or as drops.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea: Oral: 6 mg (0.6 mL) of undiluted opium tincture (10 mg/mL) 4 times daily.

Cancer treatment-induced diarrhea (off-label dosing): Based on limited data: Oral: 10 to 15 drops (opium tincture [10 mg/mL]) in water every 3 to 4 hours (Ref).

Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.

Dosing: Kidney Impairment: Adult

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.

Dosing: Liver Impairment: Adult

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; use with caution.

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.

Frequency not defined:

Cardiovascular: Bradycardia, hypotension, palpitations, peripheral vasodilation

Central nervous system: Central nervous system depression, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, drug dependence, headache, increased intracranial pressure, insomnia, malaise, restlessness

Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, biliary tract spasm, constipation, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting

Genitourinary: Decreased urine output, genitourinary tract spasm

Hypersensitivity: Histamine release

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness

Ophthalmic: Miosis

Respiratory: Respiratory depression

Postmarketing and/or case reports: Allodynia (opioid-induced hyperalgesia) (FDA Safety Communication 2023), hypogonadism (Brennan, 2013; Debono, 2011)

Contraindications

Use in children; diarrhea caused by poisoning until the toxic material is eliminated from the GI tract

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• CNS depression: May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving).

• Hypotension: May cause hypotension; use with caution in patients with hypovolemia, cardiovascular disease (including acute MI), or with drugs which may exaggerate hypotensive effects (including phenothiazines or general anesthetics).

• Respiratory depression: Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur. Monitor closely for respiratory depression, especially during initiation or dose escalation. Carbon dioxide retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids. Patients and caregivers should be educated on how to recognize respiratory depression and the importance of getting emergency assistance immediately (eg, calling 911) in the event of known or suspected overdose.

Disease-related concerns:

• Abdominal conditions: May obscure diagnosis or clinical course of patients with acute abdominal conditions.

• Adrenal insufficiency: Use with caution in patients with adrenal insufficiency, including Addison's disease. Long-term opioid use may cause secondary hypogonadism, which may lead to sexual disorders and osteoporosis (Brennan 2013).

• Biliary tract impairment: Use with caution in patients with biliary tract dysfunction, including acute pancreatitis; may cause constriction of sphincter of Oddi.

• CNS depression/coma: Avoid use in patients with CNS depression or coma as these patients are susceptible to intracranial effects of CO2 retention.

• Drug abuse: Use exposes patients and other users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, potentially leading to overdose and death. Assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing; monitor all patients regularly for development of these behaviors or conditions. Use with caution in patients with a history of substance abuse disorder; potential for drug dependency exists. Other factors associated with increased risk for misuse include concomitant depression or other mental health conditions, higher opioid dosages, or taking other CNS depressants. Consider offering naloxone or nalmefene prescriptions in patients with an increased risk for overdose, such as history of overdose or substance use disorder, higher opioid dosages (≥50 morphine milligram equivalents [MME]/day orally), concomitant benzodiazepine use, and patients at risk for returning to a high dose after losing tolerance (CDC [Dowell 2022]). Tolerance and psychological and physical dependence may occur with prolonged use.

• GI Hemorrhage: Use with caution in patients with GI hemorrhage.

• Head trauma: Use with extreme caution in patients with head injury, intracranial lesions, or elevated intracranial pressure; exaggerated elevation of ICP may occur.

• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic dysfunction.

• Obesity: Use with caution in patients who are morbidly obese.

• Prostatic hyperplasia/urinary stricture: Use with caution in patients with prostatic hyperplasia and/or urinary stricture.

• Respiratory disease: Use with caution and monitor for respiratory depression in patients with pre-existing respiratory compromise (hypoxia and/or hypercapnia), COPD or other obstructive pulmonary disease, and kyphoscoliosis or other skeletal disorders which may alter respiratory function; critical respiratory depression may occur, even at therapeutic dosages.

• Sleep-related disorders: Use with caution in patients with sleep-related disorders, including sleep apnea, due to increased risk for respiratory and CNS depression. Monitor carefully and titrate dosage cautiously in patients with mild sleep-disordered breathing. Avoid opioids in patients with moderate to severe sleep-disordered breathing (CDC [Dowell 2022]).

• Thyroid dysfunction: Use with caution in patients with thyroid dysfunction.

Concurrent drug therapy issues:

• Benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants: Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of opium tincture and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosage and durations to the minimum required and follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. Consider prescribing naloxone or nalmefene for emergency treatment of opioid overdose in patients taking benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants concomitantly with opioids.

Special populations:

• Debilitated patients: Use with caution in debilitated patients; there is a greater potential for critical respiratory depression, even at therapeutic dosages.

• Older adult: Use opioids with caution in older adults; may be more sensitive to adverse effects. Clearance may also be reduced in older adults (with or without renal impairment) resulting in a narrow therapeutic window and increased adverse effects. Monitor closely for adverse effects associated with opioid therapy (eg, respiratory and CNS depression, falls, cognitive impairment, constipation) (CDC [Dowell 2022]). Consider the use of alternative nonopioid analgesics in these patients when possible.

• Pediatric: Infants <3 months of age are more susceptible to respiratory depression; if used (off-label), diluted doses are recommended and use with caution; contraindicated for use in children according to the manufacturer.

Dosage form specific issues:

• Ethanol: Product contains alcohol.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Naloxone/Nalmefene access: Discuss the availability of naloxone or nalmefene with all patients who are prescribed opioid analgesics, as well as their caregivers, and consider prescribing it to patients who are at increased risk of opioid overdose. These include patients who are also taking benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, have an opioid use disorder (OUD) (current or history of), or have experienced opioid-induced respiratory depression/opioid overdose. Additionally, health care providers should consider prescribing naloxone or nalmefene to patients prescribed medications to treat OUD; patients at risk of opioid overdose even if they are not taking an opioid analgesic or medication to treat OUD; and patients taking opioids, including methadone or buprenorphine for OUD, if they have household members, including children, or other close contacts at risk for accidental ingestion or opioid overdose. Inform patients and caregivers on options for obtaining naloxone or nalmefene (eg, by prescription, directly from a pharmacist, a community-based program) as permitted by state dispensing and prescribing guidelines. Educate patients and caregivers on how to recognize respiratory depression, proper administration of naloxone or nalmefene, and getting emergency help (FDA 2020).

• Potential for error: Do not confuse opium tincture with paregoric; opium tincture is 25 times more potent than paregoric; opium shares the toxic potential of opioid agonists, usual precautions of opioid agonist therapy should be observed.

• Withdrawal: Concurrent use of agonist/antagonist analgesics may precipitate withdrawal symptoms and/or reduced analgesic efficacy in patients following prolonged therapy with mu opioid agonists. Abrupt discontinuation following prolonged use may also lead to withdrawal symptoms.

• Appropriate use: Opium tincture is not routinely used as a source of morphine to treat neonatal abstinence syndrome in infants exposed to chronic opioids in utero. If used, then dilution is necessary. In addition, use for this purpose may increase the risk of drug error and morphine overdose in the infant (AAP 1998; AAP [Hudak 2012]; Dow 2012).

Dosage Forms: US

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Tincture, Oral:

Generic: 10 mg/mL (1%) (118 mL, 473 mL)

Generic Equivalent Available: US

Yes

Pricing: US

Tincture (Opium Oral)

10 MG/ML (1%) (per mL): $6.27 - $6.28

Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.

Additional Information

Opium tincture contains 10 mg/mL morphine; for treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome, a 25-fold dilution of opium tincture (final concentration: 0.4 mg/mL morphine) is preferred over paregoric; the 25-fold dilution of opium tincture contains the same morphine concentration as paregoric, but without the high amount of alcohol or additives of paregoric

Controlled Substance

C-II

Administration: Pediatric

Oral: May administer with food to decrease GI upset; for neonatal abstinence syndrome (opioid withdrawal), use a 25-fold dilution of opium tincture (final concentration 0.4 mg/mL morphine)

Administration: Adult

Oral: Cancer treatment-induced diarrhea: Add drops to water prior to administration (Ref).

Storage/Stability

Store at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Protect from light.

Use

Treatment of diarrhea (FDA approved in adults); has also been used for the treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome (opioid withdrawal) using a 25-fold dilution with water (final concentration 0.4 mg/mL morphine)

Medication Safety Issues
Sound-alike/look-alike issues:

Opium tincture may be confused with camphorated tincture of opium (paregoric)

High alert medication:

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) includes this medication among its list of drugs/drug classes (opioids, all formulations and routes of administration) which have a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error (High-Alert Medications in Acute Care, Community/Ambulatory Care, and Long-Term Care Settings).

Pediatric patients: High-risk medication:

KIDs List: Opium tincture, when used in neonatal and pediatric patients <18 years of age, is identified on the Key Potentially Inappropriate Drugs in Pediatrics (KIDs) list; use should be avoided in neonates, and used with caution in pediatric patients <18 years of age due to risk of respiratory depression (strong recommendation; high quality of evidence) (PPA [Meyers 2020]).

Administration issues:

Use care when prescribing opium tincture; opium tincture is 25 times more concentrated than paregoric; each undiluted mL of opium tincture contains the equivalent of morphine 10 mg/mL.

If opium tincture is used in neonates (off-label), a 25-fold dilution should be prepared (final concentration: 0.4 mg/mL morphine). Of note, paregoric (which contains the equivalent of morphine 0.4 mg/mL) is not recommended for use in neonates due to the high alcohol content (~45%) and the presence of other additives; as an alternative to the use of diluted opium tincture or paregoric, ISMP recommends using a diluted preservative free injectable morphine solution orally.

Although historically opium tincture is dosed as mL/kg, the preferred dosing units are mg/kg (Levine 2001). ISMP suggests hospitals evaluate the need for this product at their institution.

Other safety concerns:

DTO is an error-prone abbreviation and should never be used as an abbreviation for opium tincture (also known as Deodorized Tincture of Opium) due to potential for being mistaken as Diluted Tincture of Opium

Metabolism/Transport Effects

None known.

Drug Interactions

Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.

Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program

Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects: May increase adverse/toxic effects of Opioid Agonists. Specifically, the risk for constipation and urinary retention may be increased with this combination. Risk C: Monitor

Alizapride: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Alvimopan: Opioid Agonists may increase adverse/toxic effects of Alvimopan. This is most notable for patients receiving long-term (i.e., more than 7 days) opiates prior to alvimopan initiation. Management: Alvimopan is contraindicated in patients receiving therapeutic doses of opioids for more than 7 consecutive days immediately prior to alvimopan initiation. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Amisulpride (Oral): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Amphetamines: May increase analgesic effects of Opioid Agonists. Risk C: Monitor

Articaine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider reducing the dose of articaine if possible when used in patients who are also receiving CNS depressants. Monitor for excessive CNS depressant effects with any combined use. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Azelastine (Nasal): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid

Benperidol: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Blonanserin: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Blonanserin. Management: Use caution if coadministering blonanserin and CNS depressants; dose reduction of the other CNS depressant may be required. Strong CNS depressants should not be coadministered with blonanserin. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Brimonidine (Topical): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Bromopride: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Bromperidol: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid

Buclizine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Buprenorphine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Buprenorphine. Management: Consider reduced doses of other CNS depressants, and avoiding such drugs in patients at high risk of buprenorphine overuse/self-injection. Initiate buprenorphine at lower doses in patients already receiving CNS depressants. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Buprenorphine: May decrease therapeutic effects of Opioid Agonists. Management: Seek alternatives to buprenorphine in patients receiving pure opioid agonists. If combined in certain pain management situations (eg, surgery), monitor for symptoms of therapeutic failure/high dose requirements or opioid withdrawal symptoms. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

BusPIRone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Cannabinoid-Containing Products: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Cannabinoid-Containing Products. Risk C: Monitor

Cetirizine (Systemic): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider avoiding this combination if possible. If required, monitor for excessive sedation or CNS depression, limit the dose and duration of combination therapy, and consider CNS depressant dose reductions. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Chloral Hydrate/Chloral Betaine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Chloral Hydrate/Chloral Betaine. Management: Consider alternatives to the use of chloral hydrate or chloral betaine and additional CNS depressants. If combined, consider a dose reduction of either agent and monitor closely for enhanced CNS depressive effects. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Chlormethiazole: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Monitor closely for evidence of excessive CNS depression. The chlormethiazole labeling states that an appropriately reduced dose should be used if such a combination must be used. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Chlorphenesin Carbamate: May increase adverse/toxic effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

CNS Depressants: May increase CNS depressant effects of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid concomitant use of opioid agonists and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Daridorexant: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Dose reduction of daridorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of daridorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of daridorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Desmopressin: Opioid Agonists may increase hyponatremic effects of Desmopressin. Risk C: Monitor

DexmedeTOMIDine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of DexmedeTOMIDine. Management: Monitor for increased CNS depression during coadministration of dexmedetomidine and CNS depressants, and consider dose reductions of either agent to avoid excessive CNS depression. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Difelikefalin: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Dihydralazine: CNS Depressants may increase hypotensive effects of Dihydralazine. Risk C: Monitor

Dimethindene (Topical): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Diuretics: Opioid Agonists may increase adverse/toxic effects of Diuretics. Opioid Agonists may decrease therapeutic effects of Diuretics. Risk C: Monitor

Dothiepin: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

DroPERidol: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider dose reductions of droperidol or of other CNS agents (eg, opioids, barbiturates) with concomitant use. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Eluxadoline: Opioid Agonists may increase constipating effects of Eluxadoline. Risk X: Avoid

Emedastine (Systemic): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider avoiding this combination if possible. If required, monitor for excessive sedation or CNS depression, limit the dose and duration of combination therapy, and consider CNS depressant dose reductions. Risk C: Monitor

Entacapone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Flunarizine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Flunarizine. Risk X: Avoid

Flunitrazepam: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Flunitrazepam. Management: Reduce the dose of CNS depressants when combined with flunitrazepam and monitor patients for evidence of CNS depression (eg, sedation, respiratory depression). Use non-CNS depressant alternatives when available. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Gastrointestinal Agents (Prokinetic): Opioid Agonists may decrease therapeutic effects of Gastrointestinal Agents (Prokinetic). Risk C: Monitor

HydrOXYzine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider a decrease in the CNS depressant dose, as appropriate, when used together with hydroxyzine. Increase monitoring of signs/symptoms of CNS depression in any patient receiving hydroxyzine together with another CNS depressant. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (Anti-PD-1, -PD-L1, and -CTLA4 Therapies): May decrease therapeutic effects of Opioid Agonists. Opioid Agonists may decrease therapeutic effects of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (Anti-PD-1, -PD-L1, and -CTLA4 Therapies). Risk C: Monitor

Ixabepilone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Kava Kava: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Ketotifen (Systemic): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Kratom: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid

Lemborexant: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Dosage adjustments of lemborexant and of concomitant CNS depressants may be necessary when administered together because of potentially additive CNS depressant effects. Close monitoring for CNS depressant effects is necessary. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Levocetirizine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Lisuride: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Lofexidine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Loxapine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Loxapine. Management: Consider reducing the dose of CNS depressants administered concomitantly with loxapine due to an increased risk of respiratory depression, sedation, hypotension, and syncope. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Magnesium Sulfate: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Mequitazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Metergoline: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Methotrimeprazine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Methotrimeprazine. Methotrimeprazine may increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Reduce the usual dose of CNS depressants by 50% if starting methotrimeprazine until the dose of methotrimeprazine is stable. Monitor patient closely for evidence of CNS depression. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Metoclopramide: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

MetyroSINE: CNS Depressants may increase sedative effects of MetyroSINE. Risk C: Monitor

Minocycline (Systemic): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: May increase adverse/toxic effects of Opium. Risk X: Avoid

Moxonidine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Nabilone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid

Nalfurafine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Nalfurafine: Opioid Agonists may increase adverse/toxic effects of Nalfurafine. Opioid Agonists may decrease therapeutic effects of Nalfurafine. Risk C: Monitor

Nalmefene: May decrease therapeutic effects of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid the concomitant use of oral nalmefene and opioid agonists. Discontinue oral nalmefene 1 week prior to any anticipated use of opioid agonists. If combined, larger doses of opioid agonists will likely be required. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Naltrexone: May decrease therapeutic effects of Opioid Agonists. Management: Seek therapeutic alternatives to opioids. See full drug interaction monograph for detailed recommendations. Risk X: Avoid

Noscapine: CNS Depressants may increase adverse/toxic effects of Noscapine. Risk X: Avoid

Olopatadine (Nasal): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid

Opicapone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Opioid Agonists: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid concomitant use of opioid agonists and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Opioids (Mixed Agonist / Antagonist): May decrease analgesic effects of Opioid Agonists. Management: Seek alternatives to mixed agonist/antagonist opioids in patients receiving pure opioid agonists, and monitor for symptoms of therapeutic failure/high dose requirements (or withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients) if patients receive these combinations. Risk X: Avoid

Opipramol: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Orphenadrine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Orphenadrine. Risk X: Avoid

Oxomemazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid

Oxybate Salt Products: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Oxybate Salt Products. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination when possible. If combined, dose reduction or discontinuation of one or more CNS depressants (including the oxybate salt product) should be considered. Interrupt oxybate salt treatment during short-term opioid use Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

OxyCODONE: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of OxyCODONE. Management: Avoid concomitant use of oxycodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Paraldehyde: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Paraldehyde. Risk X: Avoid

Pegvisomant: Opioid Agonists may decrease therapeutic effects of Pegvisomant. Risk C: Monitor

Periciazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Pipamperone: May increase adverse/toxic effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Piribedil: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Piribedil. Risk C: Monitor

Pramipexole: CNS Depressants may increase sedative effects of Pramipexole. Risk C: Monitor

Procarbazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Ramosetron: Opioid Agonists may increase constipating effects of Ramosetron. Risk C: Monitor

Rilmenidine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b: CNS Depressants may increase adverse/toxic effects of Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b. Specifically, the risk of neuropsychiatric adverse effects may be increased. Management: Avoid coadministration of ropeginterferon alfa-2b and other CNS depressants. If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients for neuropsychiatric adverse effects (eg, depression, suicidal ideation, aggression, mania). Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

ROPINIRole: CNS Depressants may increase sedative effects of ROPINIRole. Risk C: Monitor

Rotigotine: CNS Depressants may increase sedative effects of Rotigotine. Risk C: Monitor

Samidorphan: May decrease therapeutic effects of Opioid Agonists. Risk X: Avoid

Serotonergic Agents (High Risk): Opioid Agonists may increase serotonergic effects of Serotonergic Agents (High Risk). This could result in serotonin syndrome. Management: Monitor for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome/serotonin toxicity (eg, hyperreflexia, clonus, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, tremor, autonomic instability, mental status changes) when these agents are combined. Risk C: Monitor

Sincalide: Drugs that Affect Gallbladder Function may decrease therapeutic effects of Sincalide. Management: Consider discontinuing drugs that may affect gallbladder motility prior to the use of sincalide to stimulate gallbladder contraction. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Somatostatin Analogs: Opioid Agonists may decrease analgesic effects of Somatostatin Analogs. Opioid Agonists may increase analgesic effects of Somatostatin Analogs. Risk C: Monitor

Succinylcholine: May increase bradycardic effects of Opioid Agonists. Risk C: Monitor

Suvorexant: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Suvorexant. Management: Dose reduction of suvorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of suvorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of suvorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Thalidomide: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Thalidomide. Risk X: Avoid

Tilidine: May increase therapeutic effects of Opioid Agonists. Risk X: Avoid

Valerian: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor

Zolpidem: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Zolpidem. Management: Reduce the Intermezzo brand sublingual zolpidem adult dose to 1.75 mg for men who are also receiving other CNS depressants. No such dose change is recommended for women. Avoid use with other CNS depressants at bedtime; avoid use with alcohol. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Zuranolone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider alternatives to the use of zuranolone with other CNS depressants or alcohol. If combined, consider a zuranolone dose reduction and monitor patients closely for increased CNS depressant effects. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Pregnancy Considerations

Opium tincture contains morphine 10 mg/mL and alcohol 19%. Alcohol and opioids cross the placenta (AAP [Hudak 2012]).

Maternal use of opioids may be associated with poor fetal growth, stillbirth, and preterm delivery. Neonatal abstinence syndrome/neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome may occur following prolonged in utero exposure to opioids (CDC [Dowell 2022]). Opioid withdrawal requiring treatment was reported in an infant following in utero exposure to opium tincture throughout pregnancy (Fisch 1961). Also consider the alcohol content prior to use in pregnant patients.

Opium tincture is approved for the treatment of diarrhea in adults. Evaluate the cause prior to therapy; when treatment for diarrhea is needed, agents other than opium tincture should be used during pregnancy (Body 2016; Zielinski 2015).

Refer to the Morphine (Systemic) monograph for additional information

Monitoring Parameters

Respiratory rate, blood pressure, heart rate, resolution of diarrhea, mental status; if using a 25-fold dilution to treat neonatal abstinence syndrome, monitor for resolution of withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, high-pitched cry, stuffy nose, rhinorrhea, vomiting, poor feeding, diarrhea, sneezing, yawning, etc), and signs of overtreatment (such as bradycardia, lethargy, hypotonia, irregular respirations, respiratory depression, etc). An abstinence scoring system (eg, Finnegan abstinence scoring system) can be used to more objectively assess neonatal opioid withdrawal symptoms and the need for dosage adjustment.

Mechanism of Action

Contains many opioid alkaloids including morphine; its mechanism for gastric motility inhibition is primarily due to this morphine content; it results in a decrease in digestive secretions, an increase in GI muscle tone, and therefore a reduction in GI propulsion

Pharmacokinetics (Adult Data Unless Noted)

Duration of action: 4 to 5 hours

Absorption: Variable

Metabolism: Hepatic

Excretion: Urine

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