Paregoric

Paregoric is used to relieve diarrhea. It decreases stomach and intestinal movement in the digestive system. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Paregoric comes as a liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken one to four times a day or immediately after each loose bowel movement. Your prescription may be mixed with water before you take it; the water should turn cloudy white. Do not take more than six doses in 1 day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take paregoric exactly as directed. Paregoric can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to. If you have taken this medication for a long time, do not stop taking it suddenly. Your doctor probably will reduce your dose gradually.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Paregoric may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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constipation</li>
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upset stomach</li>
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vomiting</li>
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stomach pain</li>
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drowsiness</li>
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dizziness</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience the following symptom, call your doctor immediately:

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<li>
difficulty breathing</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking paregoric, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to paregoric or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other pain relievers; antidepressants; medications for cough, cold, or allergies; sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease, a history of alcoholism or drug abuse, lung disease, or prostatic hypertrophy. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking paregoric. you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you. remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.