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Use of alkaloid drugs begins to increase in the second half of the 19th century.

1850-1900

The Story of Opium
DRUG
PHA
MED

Alkaloids are introduced as sedatives and hypnotics, and include the use of morphine separated from opium. A pharmaceutical market, initially based in Europe, begins to expand. It is primarily focused on the easy administration of pain relief and decreasing agitation. Bromides are also introduced for the treatment of seizures/epilepsy. The market expands to include home-administered drugs and easily administered medications for use in institutions. Alkaloids are the precursor to barbiturates in the early-20th century.