Confectio Opii.—Confection of Opium.
Related entry: Opium (U. S. P.)—Opium
SYNONYM: Electuarium theriaca.
Preparation.—The U. S. P. of 1870 recorded the following formula: "Take of opium in fine powder, 270 grains; aromatic powder, 6 troy ounces; clarified honey, 14 troy ounces. Rub the opium with the aromatic powder, then add the honey, and beat the whole together until thoroughly mixed." This contains 1 grain of opium in about every 36 grains of the confection.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—This confection was designed to take the place of the ancient mixtures known as Theriaca and Mithridatum. It is said to be useful in debilitated conditions with diarrhoea, weak digestion, with flatulence, gouty conditions, and other states where a stimulating opiate is thought necessary. The dose ranges from 5 to 20 grains.
