
The United States Controlled Substances Act, for example, lists it on Schedule II, the second strictest category. Laudanum has since been recognized as addictive and is strictly regulated and controlled as such throughout most of the world. Until the early 20th century, laudanum was sold without a prescription and was a constituent of many patent medicines. Laudanum was historically used to treat a variety of conditions, but its principal use was as a pain medication and cough suppressant. Reddish-brown in color and extremely bitter, laudanum contains several opium alkaloids, including morphine and codeine. Laudanum is prepared by dissolving extracts from the opium poppy ( Papaver somniferum) in alcohol ( ethanol). Laudanum is a tincture of opium containing approximately 10% powdered opium by weight (the equivalent of 1% morphine).
