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Opium

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Belladonna/opium rectal suppository is a combination medication containing narcotic analgesic (opium/morphine) and antispasmodic (belladonna alkaloids atropine and scopolamine) components. It is primarily used for pain relief and to reduce intestinal spasms.

Quick summary

A combination antispasmodic and narcotic analgesic rectal suppository used to relieve severe abdominal pain and cramping.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy
BOXED WARNING

This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.

Key facts at a glance

ATC
A07DA02
RxNorm
7676
Generic
Opium
Class
atc-a07
Brands
—
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
rectal, oral
Forms
solution
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose that may cause serious toxicity in opioid-naive individuals; actual toxicity varies significantly based on opioid tolerance
Chronic overdose: Cumulative CNS and respiratory depression with repeated use; risk increases with chronic consumption due to tolerance and physiological dependence
Immediate actions
Ensure airway and breathing; provide ventilatory support; consider gastric decontamination only if ingestion is recent and patient is protected airway; monitor vital signs
Antidote
Naloxone(Highly effective in reversing opioid toxicity within minutes; may require repeated dosing for long-acting opioids)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

8 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

third trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid

Key Recommendations

avoid use near term due to risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome

Monitor

fetal monitoring and assessment for neonatal withdrawal

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

lactation

breastfeeding
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid

Key Recommendations

avoid breastfeeding during opium use

Monitor

monitor infant for sedation and respiratory depression

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

geriatric

elderly
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose by 25-50%

Key Recommendations

use lower doses and monitor closely for adverse effects

Monitor

monitor for sedation, respiratory depression, constipation, and falls

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

pediatric_age

children under 12
contraindicated
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid use

Key Recommendations

contraindicated in children due to high risk of respiratory depression

Monitor

close monitoring if accidentally exposed

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

renal_impairment

moderate to severe
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose and extend dosing interval

Key Recommendations

use with caution, reduce dose by 50% in severe impairment

Monitor

monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

moderate to severe
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose by 50%

Key Recommendations

use with caution due to impaired metabolism

Monitor

monitor liver function and for signs of toxicity

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

alcohol_users

concurrent use
contraindicated
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid combination

Key Recommendations

do not consume alcohol while using opium

Monitor

monitor for severe CNS and respiratory depression

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

Commonly prescribed since

Value:Not currently prescribed

Opium is a controlled substance and not commonly prescribed in modern practice

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Opioid

Opioid analgesic classification

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Historical pain relief, precursor for morphine

Historical and current applications

regulationDEA
2023

US Controlled Substance Schedule

Value:Schedule II

Legal classification in the United States

Treatment of severe abdominal pain and cramping associated with gastrointestinal spasms, irritable bowel syndrome, and other conditions involving intestinal smooth muscle hyperactivity.

The opium component provides analgesic effects through morphine, while belladonna extract delivers anticholinergic alkaloids (atropine and scopolamine) that reduce smooth muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract through muscarinic receptor blockade.

This is a controlled substance with potential for dependence. Use is typically reserved for severe cases. Common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and blurred vision. Should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, urinary obstruction, or those taking other anticholinergic medications.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy