Opium Tincture

**Semantic type:** Chemical Viewed Functionally

**Definition:** Also known as Laudanum and formulated for oral administration, Opium tincture is made of air-dried poppy (Papaver somniferum) latex and contains alkaloids such as morphine and codeine. As an antidiarrheal agent, it slows transit of intestinal contents by increasing intestinal smooth muscle tone and inhibiting motility; water is absorbed from fecal contents, decreasing diarrhea. (NCI04)

**Synonyms:** - Laudanum - OPIUM