paregoric, preparation principally used in the treatment of diarrhea. Paregoric, which decreases movement of the stomach and intestinal muscles, is made from opium tincture (laudanum) or from powdered opium and includes anise oil, camphor, benzoic acid, glycerin, and diluted alcohol. The usual adult dose is 5–10 millilitres. In early medical writings the term paregoric sometimes was used in reference to soothing medicaments in general.