Deodorized Tincture of Opium

Definition

(Noun) Deodorized Tincture of Opium is the name of a RX medicine used for the treatment and control of severe diarrhea resulting from ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive diseases. It is a liquid that is taken in the form of drops. Usually the patient takes a prescribed number of drops 3-4x per day. It was discovered in the 16th century and given the name Laudanum. The name was changed to deodorized tincture of opium (or deodorized opium tincture) in the 20th century. Although it is a relatively inexpensive drug to produce, and previously had been inexpensive for patients to obtain, pharmaceutical companies continually raised the price throughout the late 20th century. Currently, it is so expensive that it is beyond the financial capabilities of many patients who depend on it.