Paregoric

Generic name: Paregoric [ par-e-GOR-ik ]
Drug class: Opioids (narcotic analgesics)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 20, 2024.

Uses of Paregoric:

• It is used to treat diarrhea.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Paregoric?

• If you have an allergy to paregoric or any other part of paregoric.
• If you are allergic to paregoric; any part of paregoric; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have diarrhea caused by poisoning.
• If you have seizures.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with paregoric.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take paregoric with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Paregoric?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take paregoric. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how paregoric affects you.
• To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
• This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
• Do not use more than what your doctor told you to use. Do not use more often or longer than what you were told. Doing any of these things may raise the chance of very bad side effects.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking paregoric.
• This medicine may raise the chance of seizures in some people, including people who have had seizures in the past. Talk to your doctor to see if you have a greater chance of seizures while taking paregoric.
• If you are 65 or older, use paregoric with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using paregoric while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Paregoric) best taken?

Use paregoric as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food.
• Shake well before use.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with paregoric. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure paregoric.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you take paregoric on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times paregoric is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Trouble breathing, slow breathing, or shallow breathing.
• Feeling confused.
• Feeling very sleepy.
• A fast heartbeat.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Seizures.
• Mood changes.
• Very bad constipation.
• Trouble passing urine.
• Change in eyesight.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Paregoric?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Dizziness.
• Feeling sleepy.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Constipation.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Paregoric?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Protect from heat.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about paregoric, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer