English Paregoric Elixir

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Paragregoric.jpg

Title

English Paregoric Elixir

Description

English Paregoric Elixir, prepared by Duncan, Flockhart & Company. “Paregoric” is a camphorated tincture of opium, sometimes containing additional ingredients such as benzoic acid, aniseed oil, honey and alcohol. Paregoric medicines such as this elixir were common household remedies in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, traditionally used to treat asthma, diarrhoea, and to relieve teething pain in children.

Directions for use: 5 to 20 drops for children; 1 to 2 teaspoons for adults.

In part due to the similarity of their chemical names, some confusion existed between Laudanum (tincture of opium) and Paregoric (camphorated tincture of opium). As Laudanum contains twenty-five times more opium than Paregoric, mistakes made with these drugs could be fatal.

Date

19th century

Archive Reference

OBJ/OBJ/3/2/5

Collection

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