Paregoric Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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paregoric
[หpษrษชหษกษrษชk ]
Definition
medication, pain relief
Paregoric is a medicinal preparation made from opium and used to relieve pain and reduce diarrhea. It is often prescribed for mild to moderate pain management, particularly in cases where more potent opioids may not be indicated. Due to its opiate content, paregoric is subject to strict regulation and should be used with caution. The drug works by decreasing gastrointestinal motility and soothing irritation in the digestive tract.
Synonyms
analgesic, opiate, painkiller.
Examples of usage
- The doctor prescribed paregoric to manage my abdominal pain.
- Paregoric is often used to treat diarrhea in adults.
- In the past, paregoric was a common treatment for severe coughing.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Use
- Status as a go-to treatment began in the 1800s when it was commonly prescribed for diarrhea and pain relief.
- Doctors once widely recognized paregoric's effectiveness for calming abdominal discomfort and restlessness.
- In the early 20th century, it became over-the-counter medication in certain countries, reflecting its popularity.
Modern Medicine
- Today, paregoric is less commonly used due to the availability of more effective medications.
- It contains opium, and while effective, it is now more strictly regulated because of potential for addiction.
- Paregoric is still found in some formulations but is mostly replaced with safer alternatives.
Cultural Impact
- The drug has appeared in various literary works, symbolizing pain relief and comfort in storytelling.
- In music, there are references to paregoric, often evoking themes of nostalgia and healing.
- Movies from earlier eras depicted characters using paregoric as a common remedy for ailments.
Origin of 'paregoric'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'paregoric' comes from the Greek word 'paregorein', meaning 'to soothe' or 'to calm'.
- It was first used in English in the 19th century, highlighting its long-standing role in medicine.
- The word reflects the drug's purpose: to provide relief and comfort to those suffering.
The word 'paregoric' comes from the Greek term 'paregoriแธn', meaning 'to soothe' or 'to calm', which reflects its primary use in easing discomfort. It was first introduced into the medical lexicon in the early 19th century as a treatment for various ailments, particularly those involving pain and gastrointestinal issues. The formulation of paregoric typically includes compounded opium, which is blended with other soothing agents such as camphor and alcohol. Its use became prevalent during a time when opiate derivatives were commonly employed to manage pain before the advent of contemporary analgesics. Over the years, paregoric has been increasingly regulated due to concerns over addiction and misuse associated with opiate medications. Today, while it remains a recognized treatment option, it is prescribed with caution and monitored closely due to its potential for abuse.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #36,534, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.