Historically, morphine dates all the way back to the Civil War times. It was used as a pain-killer, and erroneously, as a cure for opium addiction. As a surgical anesthetic, it was sent home with many of the injured soldiers for relief of pain. At the end of the year, over 400,000 Civil War people had the "army disease-, morphine addiction. The Franco-Prussian War Europe had a similar effect.
In 1906 the Pure Food and Drug Act required accurate labeling of patent medicines and tonics. Various laws restricting opium (the plant from which morphine is derived) were enacted. The Harrison Narcotics Act of 1914 prohibited possession of narcotics unless properly prescribed by a physician. Despite possession of narcotics unless properly prescribed by a physician. Despite legislation and laws, morphine maintained much of its popularity until heroin came into use. Is believed to be a cure for morphine addiction.
Structure.
Chemically, morphine (sulfate) consists of 7".
didehydro 4,5-epoxy 17-mtehyl-morphinian and 3,6-diol sulfate pentahydrate. Morphine's chemical formula is C17 H19 O3 N. There is a presence of double ethylenic bond in morphine. The drug contains a methylated tertiary-amine nitrogen atom. Also, the nitrogen atom of the morphine alkaloids forms part of a heterocycle. Additionaly, there is a presence of a partially hydrogenated phenathrene nucleus.
Uses.
Morphine, a narcotic, acts directly on the central nervous system. It works to scramble pain messages in the spinal cord and brain. Morphine has a structure that is highly effective and works centrally in the body. The drug increases that tone and decreases the propulsive contractions of the smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract.
Morphine is best used for the relief of moderate to severe acute and chronic pain. It is available in a wide range of dosage forms. Morphine is also available at a relatively low cost. It has a very wide range of uses.
