Opium and Perflutren lipid microsphere Intravenous

• Generic Name: opium
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Opium Deodorized, Paregoric

Opium tincture is used to treat diarrhea. Opium belongs to the group of medicines called narcotics.

When a narcotic is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.

Opium is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: perflutren
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Definity, Optison

Perflutren lipid microsphere preparation is an ultrasound contrast agent. Ultrasound contrast agents are used to help provide a clear picture during ultrasound. Ultrasound is a special kind of diagnostic procedure. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create images or “pictures” of certain areas inside the body. The sound waves produced by the ultrasound equipment can be reflected (bounced off) by different parts of the body, like for example, the heart. As the sound waves return they are electronically converted into images on a television screen. Unlike x-rays, ultrasound does not involve ionizing radiation.

The perflutren lipid microspheres preparation contains very small gas-filled lipid microspheres that reflect the sound waves and help create a better picture. The lipid microsphere preparation is given by injection into a vein before ultrasound to help diagnose problems of the heart.

Perflutren lipid microsphere is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor with specialized training in ultrasound procedures.