Heroin

Excerpt

Heroin, also known as diacetylmorphine, is derived from the opium poppy plant. Bayer Pharmaceuticals developed the diacetylmorphine molecule in 1898 as an antitussive. Professionals initially touted morphine as a substitute with less addiction potential. Heroin currently has no FDA-approved indications for use. Heroin is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, with no approved medical use in the United States. The United Kingdom allows the use of heroin, known under the generic name of diamorphine, for diverse analgesic indications such as postoperative pain, chronic pain, palliative care, and even post-cesarean section.