Opium Uses For Medicine. Opium is a medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. Spongia somnifera , sponges soaked in opium, were used during surgery.

As a remedy in the asphyxia of the newborn, and in puerperal convulsions. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times daily. Opium was used with poison hemlock to put people quickly and painlessly to death, but it was also used in medicine.