Belladonna & Opium Suppositories: Uses & Side Effects

What is belladonna and opium?

Belladonna/opium is a man-made narcotic analgesic and anti-spasmodic combination medication. Belladonna and opium suppositories are used for relief of moderate to severe pain associated with ureteral spasm not responsive to non-narcotic analgesics and to space intervals between injections of opiates.

Is belladonna and opium available as a generic drug?

Yes

What are the side effects of belladonna and opium?

Side effects of belladonna/opium are:

drowsiness,
dizziness,
blurred vision,
dry mouth,
urine retention,
nausea,
vomiting,
constipation,
itching, and
hives.

Belladonna/opium suppositories can be habit forming and has abuse potential
because of its opium content.

What is the dosage for belladonna and opium?

Adults: Insert one suppository rectally once or twice daily. Not to exceed more than 4 suppositories per day or as directed by physician.

Belladonna/opium suppositories are not recommended for use in children 12 years of age and younger.

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Which drugs or supplements interact with belladonna and opium?

Alvimopan (Entereg) and belladonna/opium suppositories
should not be used together. Alvimopan significantly increases belladonna and
opium levels in the body; opioid medications must be stopped 7 days prior to
starting Alvimopan.

Belladonna/opium suppositories should not be used with
MAO inhibitors like phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Zelapar, Emsam, Eldepryl), and isocarboxazid
(Marplan) as well as linezolid (Zyvox) antibiotic. Combining these drugs with
belladonna/opium may lead to serious changes in blood pressure, fever,
sleepiness, agitation, confusion and in severe cases, death. These medications
have to be stopped or separated by 14 days before administering belladonna/opium
suppositories.

Belladonna/opium suppositories should not be used with naltrexone (Revia)
because naltrexone decreases levels and therapeutic effects of belladonna/opium,
leading to treatment failure.

Belladonna/opium suppositories should be used with caution with other
narcotic analgesics because of increased risks of dizziness, sedation, and
respiratory depression.

Individuals should check with their physicians before using this suppository.

Is belladonna and opium safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies done on belladonna/opium suppositories to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women. They should be used only if clearly needed.

Opium is converted to morphine. Morphine is excreted in breast milk, however, the American Academy of Pediatrics committee states that it is safe to use while nursing.

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What else should I know about belladonna and opium?

What preparations of belladonna and opium are available?

Belladonna/opium is available as rectal suppositories.
Each package contains 12 suppositories. They are manufactured in two different
strengths:

16.2 mg of belladonna and 30 mg of opium in
each suppository.
16.2 mg of belladonna and 60 mg of opium in
each suppository.

How should I keep belladonna and opium stored?

Store belladonna/opium suppositories at room temperature. Do not
refrigerate the suppositories and protect them from moisture during storage.

How does belladonna and opium work?

Belladonna/opium is a man-made narcotic analgesic
and anti-spasmodic combination medication. Belladonna relaxes smooth
muscles and stops muscle spasms. Opium is converted to morphine which is an opioid pain reliever. Opioids can reduce gastrointestinal motility, propulsion,
secretions, and increase gastrointestinal muscle tone. Opioids also stimulate
receptors on nerves in the brain to increase the threshold to pain (increasing
the amount of stimulation it takes to feel pain) and reduce the perception of
pain (the perceived importance of the pain). These effects help in controlling
pain and relieving spasms, especially bladder spasms. Belladonna/opium is a
controlled substance.