Papaver somniferum

Botanical origin

Papaver somniferum

Family

Papaveraceae

Common name

Opium poppy

Part used

opium, the dried milky latex produced by the seed pods latex found in its unripe seed

opium,The dried juice (milky latex) from the unripe green seed capsule

This latex is anodyne, antitussive, astringent, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, hypnotic, narcotic

and sedative. As well as its pain-relieving properties, the latex has also been used as an
antispasmodic and expectorant in treating certain kinds of coughs, whilst its astringent
properties make it useful in the treatment of dysentery etc A homeopathic remedy is made
from the dried latex. This is used in the treatment of a variety of complaints, including
constipation, fevers and insomnia

Throughout history, opium has been used as a base for the opioid class of drugs used to suppress the
central nervous system. Opium is a substance extracted from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.).
Its consumption and medicinal application date back to antiquity. In the medieval period, Avicenna, a
famous Persian scholar (980-1037 AD) described poppy under the entry Afion of his medical
encyclopedia Canon of Medicine. Various effects of opium consumption, both wanted and unwanted are
discussed in the encyclopedia. The text mentions the effects of opioids such as analgesic, hypnotic,
antitussive, gastrointestinal, cognitive, respiratory depression, neuromuscular disturbance, and sexual
dysfunction. It also refers to its potential as a poison. Avicenna describes several methods of delivery and
recommendations for doses of the drug. Most of opioid effects described by Avicenna have subsequently
been confirmed by modern research, and other references to opium use in medieval texts call for further
investigation. This article highlights an important aspect of the medieval history of medicine.

These are often used medicinally as pain killers, especially in the treatment of terminally ill
patients suffering extreme pain, they are also used for their narcotic effects by some people.
These substances are highly addictive and lead to a shortening of the life span if used with any
frequency.

This plant contains a number of very toxic compounds, many of which are extracted and
used as pain killers etc in medicine. They are also used to make various highly addictive
narcotic drugs However, in the cooler climate of Britain these compounds are not
formed in sufficient quantity to make their extraction worthwhile. There are no toxins in
the seeds

 morphine, codeine, thebaine, and noscapine as well as other therapeutic (sanguinarine,

papaverine etc.) alkaloids, Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
 Heroin

Primarily, purified opium (dried latex from the plant capsule) is described to be the major therapeutic
(for treating dysentary, diarrohea, spasms, pain etc.) component

Avicenna, a famous Persian scholar (980-1037 AD) described poppy under the entry Afion of his medical
encyclopedia Canon of Medicine. Various effects of opium consumption, both wanted and unwanted are discussed in
the encyclopedia. The text mentions the effects of opioids such as analgesic, hypnotic, antitussive, gastrointestinal,
cognitive, respiratory depression, neuromuscular disturbance, and sexual dysfunction. It also refers to its potential as
a poison.

Contraindications and precautions

Contraindicated in patients with acute diarrhea caused by poisoning until toxic material is
removed from GI tract or in those with diarrhea caused by organisms that penetrate
intestinal mucosa. Use cautiously in patients with asthma, prostatic hyperplasia, hepatic
disease, or history of opium dependence.

Interactions
Drug-drug. Other CNS depressants: Causes additive effect. Use together cautiously.
Metoclopramide: May antagonize effects of metoclopramide. Avoid use together.
Drug-herb. St. John’s wort: Increases narcotic-induced sleeptime. Discourage use
together.
Drug-lifestyle. Alcohol use: Causes additive effects. Discourage alcohol use.

Adverse reactions
CNS: dizziness, light-headedness.
GI: nausea, vomiting.
Other: physical dependence (after long-term use).
Overdose and treatment
Signs and symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, hypotension, seizures, and apnea.
Empty stomach by induced emesis or gastric lavage; maintain patent airway. Use naloxone
to treat respiratory depression. Monitor patient for signs and symptoms of CNS or
respiratory depression.

Special considerations
• Mix drug with sufficient water to ensure passage to stomach.
ALERT Deodorized opium tincture (laudanum) is 25 times more potent than camphorated
form (paregoric); take care not to confuse these drugs. Camphorated form is more dilute,
and teaspoon doses are easier to measure than dropper quantities of opium tincture.
• When camphorated opium tincture is added to water, a milky fluid forms.
• Risk of physical dependence on drug increases with long-term use.
• Don’t refrigerate drug.
• Opium tincture and camphorated tincture may prevent delivery of technetium-99m
disofenin to the small intestine during hepatobiliary imaging tests; delay test until 24 hours
after last dose.
Breast-feeding patients
• Because opium alkaloids, especially morphine, appear in breast milk, risks must be
weighed against benefits.
Pediatric patients
• Opium tincture has been used to treat withdrawal symptoms in infants whose mothers are
narcotic addicts.

Patient education
• Warn patient that physical dependence may result from long-term use.
• Advise patient to use caution when performing hazardous tasks because drug may cause
drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision.
• Instruct patient to report diarrhea that persists longer than 48 hours because drug is
indicated only for short-term use.
• Advise patient to take drug with food if it causes nausea, vomiting, or constipation.
• Instruct patient to call immediately if he has difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Instruct patient to drink adequate fluids while diarrhea persists.

Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE

THREATENING.

Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Absorbed variably from the gut.
Distribution: Although opium alkaloids are distributed widely in the body, the low doses
used to treat diarrhea act primarily in the GI tract. Camphor crosses the placental barrier.
Metabolism: Metabolized rapidly in the liver.
Excretion: Opium is excreted in urine; opium alkaloids (especially morphine) enter breast
milk.

Route Onset Peak Duration

P.O. Unknown Unknown 4-5 hr
You should not use opium preparation if you are allergic to morphine, or if
you have:

 diarrhea that is caused by poisoning

(until the toxin is no longer in the
digestive tract).
To make sure opium preparation is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have
ever had:

 asthma, emphysema, or other breathing

problem;
 stomach bleeding;
 a head injury, brain tumor;
 a seizure;
 a stroke;
 cirrhosis or other liver disease;
 underactive thyroid;
 enlarged prostate, urination problems;
or
 alcoholism or drug addiction.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your
doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Opium can pass into breast milk and may affect the nursing baby. Tell your
doctor if you are breast-feeding.
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Opium Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Stop using opium preparation and call your doctor at once if you have:

 weak or shallow breathing;

 a light-headed feeling, like you might
pass out;
 confusion; or
  feelings of extreme happiness or
sadness.
Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults and those
who are malnourished or debilitated.
Common side effects may include:

 nausea, vomiting;
 constipation;
 dizziness, drowsiness; or
 itching.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to
FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Opium Interactions
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.
Avoid using any other anti-diarrhea medications that your doctor has not
prescribed.
Opium preparation may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or
operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents.
Taking opium preparation with other drugs that make you sleepy or
slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death.Ask
your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, opioid pain medicine, prescription
cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or
seizures.
Other drugs may interact with opium preparation, including prescription and
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor
about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Opium preparation is an opioid, sometimes called a narcotic.