Paregoric: meaning, definitions and examples
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paregoric
[ ˈpɛrɪˌɡɔrɪk ]
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
Translations of the word "paregoric" in other languages:
🇵🇹 paregórico
🇮🇳 पैरागोरिक
🇩🇪 Paregoric
🇮🇩 paregoric
🇺🇦 парагорику
🇵🇱 paregoryk
🇯🇵 パレゴリック
🇫🇷 paregorique
🇪🇸 paregórico
🇹🇷 paregoric
🇰🇷 파레고릭
🇸🇦 بارغوريك
🇨🇿 paregoric
🇸🇰 paregoric
🇨🇳 麻醉剂
🇸🇮 paregorični
🇮🇸 paregoric
🇰🇿 парегорик
🇬🇪 პარეგორიკა
🇦🇿 paregoric
🇲🇽 paregórico
Etymology
The word 'paregoric' comes from the Greek term 'paregoriḗn', 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.