Description
The air-dried, milky
exudation from incised unripe capsules of Papaver somniferum. This resin contains two groups of alkaloids: phenanthrenes
(including morphine and codeine) and benzylisoquinolines
(including papaverine). Morphine is by far the most prevalent
alkaloid (10-16%) in opium, and its pharmacological properties account for the licit and illicit use of opium.
Definition
opium: A substance obtained from the unripe seed head of the opiumpoppy (Papaver somniferum). It containsa number of alkaloids, includingmorphine and codeine. Seeopiate.
brand name
Dia-quel;Escopon;Ka-thal-pec;Pantopon;Pat.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Opium, which is extracted from the unripe seed capsules of the poppy plant, has been used throughout recorded history both in a medicinal and
recreational context. Of the pharmacologically active constituents, several
alkaloids, including morphine, codeine, papaverine and noscapine, have wide
clinical use. Opium produces both physical and psychological dependence and is
controlled under Schedule I of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
(Reference: (UNSND) United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs I, , ,
1972)
Safety Profile
Poison by ingestion. Mutation data reported. Use may lead to habituation and addiction. A narcotic, sedative, analgesic, and hypnotic. Source of morphme, codeine, papaverine, thebaine, etc. Can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, and respiratory problems. Combustible when exposed to heat or flame. See also MORPHINE.
