Opiates

Opiates, Opium, and Opioids

Opiates are narcotic drugs which contain opium or a derivative of it. Opium is processed from the sap of the poppy plant. The major opiates include morphine, codeine, thebaine, and papaverine. It is from these four alkaloids that heroin and hydrocodone, synthetic opioids, are processed.

Alkaloids

Alkaloids are alkaline compounds found in plants that react biologically within the body’s receptor sites and are used for medicinal purposes and recreational drugs. Some examples are nicotine, caffeine, stimulant cocaine, quinine, and local anesthetics.

Other alkaloids, noscapine and narcine, have little effect on the human body and are not classified as opiates.

Morphine

The principle opiate is morphine. Well known for its pain relieving effects, morphine is among the most effective for treating moderate to severe pain. It can be used during recovery from surgical procedures, but not if the patient was using it prior to surgery.

When administered as a liquid, a specific schedule is prescribed to keep the analgesic effects moderated within the bloodstream. The tablet or capsule forms are available in time-released dosages, again to ensure the level needed to suppress pain is consistent. Other forms include suppositories and injections.

One of the benefits of morphine over other narcotic drugs used to treat pain is the sense of well-being it provides. Because opiates slow the heart rate, breathing, and even brain activity, pain tolerance within the body is greatly improved. Though not as widespread today as in the past, morphine can be used as a cough suppressant, as it inhibits the cough reflex.

The two major side effects are nausea and constipation. In treatment of severe ailments such as lifelong or debilitating pain, additional drugs may be used to alleviate these side effects.

Codeine

The next principle agent in opium is codeine. This narcotic acts as a cough suppressant and is used to treat mild to moderate pain.

This opiate is primarily prescribed in tablet form, though injections are available. It can be combined with acetaminophen to increase its effectiveness.

Side effects include impaired thinking, and caution is advised when driving or operating equipment. Pregnant and lactating women should avoid the use of codeine as it has not been established as safe for the fetus or baby.

Thebaine

A minor principle of opium, this opiate is similar in chemical analysis to morphine and codeine, but with a stimulant effect rather than a depressant one. While it is not used for treatment, it is converted into other substances such as oxycodone and oxymorphone.

It is considered a poisonous alkaloid, and in high doses produces convulsions such as the poison strychnine can induce.

Papaverine

This opiate is unlike any of the others. It is classified as a vasodilator, which increases blood flow by expanding blood vessels. It can also be used to treat patients with irregular heartbeats.

It is available in tablet form and injection. The Mayo Clinic cites recent use of the injection form, combined with the drugs Phentolamine and Alprostadil, as somewhat successful in males with erectile dysfunction.

CALL TOLL FREE: 1-866-494-0866

Make the Decision to Change Your Life Today

Home | About Us | Staff | Facilities | Amenities | Travel Arrangements | Location | Admissions | Addiction Treatment | Alcohol Treatment | Substance Abuse | Teen Drug Rehab | Luxury Drug Rehab | Relapse Prevention | Dual Diagnosis | Eating Disorder Program | Forensics Program | Gambling Program | Outpatient Services | Extended Care | Scholarships and Financing | Links | Contact | Dictionary | Media | Sitemap

© 2010 C.A.R.E. Florida All Rights Reserved
C.A.R.E. Florida 321 Northlake Blvd. Suite 102 North Palm Beach, FL 33408
Privacy Policy