Morphine, Anhydrous Oral solution

What is this medicine?

OPIUM TINCTURE (OH-pee-uhm) belongs to the same class of medicines as the narcotic pain relievers. However, this medicine is used to decrease the number and frequency of bowel movements. It is used to treat diarrhea.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• brain tumor

• drug abuse or addiction

• head injury

• heart disease

• if you frequently drink alcohol-containing drinks

• intestinal disease

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lung disease, asthma, or breathing problems

• seizures

• an unusual or allergic reaction to opium, morphine or other opiates, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. You may also use the marked dropper provided with the medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol

• antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

• certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin

• certain medicines for sleep

• certain medicines used for nausea like dronabinol, droperidol, nabilone

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• medicines for anesthesia

• muscle relaxants

• naltrexone

• narcotic medicines for pain

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• confusion

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• dry mouth

• itching

• nausea

• upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law. Contact a poison control center immediately and seek emergency medical attention should overdose occur.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.