Suppositories that contain belladonna and opium are not meant for oral use. This type of medication is made to be inserted into the rectum. As the suppository dissolves the active ingredients are slowly released into the body’s system. There are a number of contraindications regarding the use of these medical suppositories. Medical professionals are concerned for the overall health of their patients and will only prescribe this type of medication after a careful review of their histories.

People who are taking ReVia, Zyvox, Furoxone, Matulane, Symlin, or potassium supplements should also avoid combining these medications with B&O Suprettes 15-A rectal formulas. If you have been prescribed MAO inhibitors and have taken this medication within the past 2 weeks you should not use a B & O Suppository unless you have discussed it with your doctor and gotten his approval.

MAOs are a class of drugs that can interact with a lot of other medications. There can be some serious complications if an individual combines opiates with MAO prescriptions. It can take as long as 14 days for an MAO medication to clear out of your system. Generally speaking it is not recommended to use any prescription drugs that contain opiates and belladonna if you are currently on one of these MAO products; Marplan, Nardil, Eldepryl, Azilect, Pamate or Emsam.

There are some underlying health conditions that may be worsened if you use B & O 15A suppositories. Only a medical professional can tell you if the possible benefits will outweigh the associated risks. Of course you should never take this medication if you have any type of allergy to either belladonna or opium. If you have any of the following health issues you must make sure that your health care provider has been apprised of your history:

* Intestinal blockages or other GI conditions resulting in diarrhea
* Severe head injury, epilepsy or brain tumors
* History of seizures
* Myasthenia Gravis or similar muscle wasting diseases
* History of asthma or other respiratory problems
* Severe Liver Disease
* Advanced Renal Disease
* Glaucoma
* B& O suppositories are prescribed with caution if a person has cardiac problems, gallbladder disease, thyroid problems or drug and alcohol addictions.

It is important to remember that suppositories that contain belladonna and opium can be addictive. This is why this medication should only be taken by the person for whom it is prescribed. Never leave B and O Suprettes out in the open where they might prove to be a temptation to others.

The FDA considers these rectal suppositories to be potentially dangerous for pregnanant women and their unborn babies. Not only can the active ingredients prove harmful to a fetus, they can also cause addiction problems for a newborn. Any woman who uses this medication while pregnant could give birth to a baby that must then suffer through withdrawal because of the belladonna and opium. These ingredients can even be passed from the mother to a baby through breast feeding.

General Rules for Safe Use of B & O 15A Suprettes

* Always wash your hands carefully before opening and inserting the suppository into the rectum.
* The outer foil wrapper must be completely removed before the suppository can be used. Believe it or not, some people are unaware that suppositories must be unwrapped prior to use.
* Never place a rectal suppository in the mouth or vagina.
* You should always follow the instructions that come with the medication. Should you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or physician.
* Most people find that it is easier to insert the suppository while seated on the toilet or while lying on their side.
* The suppository should be placed 1-1/2 inches inside your rectum. This will allow the anal sphincter to close and hold it in place.
* Always drink at least 8 glasses of fluids a day while using this medication. This will help you prevent the constipation that opiates can cause.
* Keep the medication at room temperature.
* B and O 15 A Suprettes are usually prescribed for twice daily use, but sometimes the medical benefits may require a patient to use the medicine up to 4 times a day.

Possible Problems

* Do not try to make up a missed dose of this medication by using twice as many suppositories the next time. This could result in an overdose.
* Suddenly stopping the use of these suppositories could result in withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor can advise you of how to taper the dosage properly.
* Signs of an opiate overdose include confusion, difficulty urinating, weakness, shallow respirations, dizziness or unusual restlessness.
* Do not drink alcohol while taking these suppositories because the alcohol can intensify the side effects.
* Never add OTC laxatives for any constipation problems the suppositories cause unless you have cleared it with your medical health care provider.

Posted by Fei Lim

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