By Aisha Abubakar

When most people think of pain relief today, paracetamol generally comes to mind.  It’s accessible at practically every drugstore, typically suggested for headaches, fevers, and everyday ailments.  Because of its popularity, many assume it was the first painkiller ever discovered.  But that’s a myth.  In truth, paracetamol came considerably later, and the path to its discovery was far more  complex than most people realize.

‎Despite being the most often used painkiller today, paracetamol is not — and never was — the first.  That title goes to morphine, which was derived from opium in 1804.  Paracetamol’s emergence came much later, and while it has earned its place in modern medicine, its history reminds us of how medical knowledge is continuously growing.

‎Pain has always been part of the human experience   For centuries, different civilizations around the world have sought to reduce suffering in some way. They resorted to using natural herbs, roots, and various rituals to relieve both physical and emotional suffering. However, it wasn't until the early 1800s that the world saw the creation of the first true pharmacological analgesic: morphine.

‎Morphine was discovered in 1804, by a 20 year old German pharmacist's apprentice named Friedrich Sertuner, who embarked on an experimental journey that would change the future of medicine.

‎Working with Opium, a powerful but unrefined substance from the Poppy plant, Sertuner sought to isolate its active compound. Through a series of careful chemical procedures, he extracted a white crystalline substance, which he tested -on three young boys, three dogs, a mouse and then on himself, all four individuals almost died, the effects were powerful: relief from pain and deep sleep. He hypothesized that, because lower doses of the drug were needed, it would be less addictive. However, Sertürner himself became addicted to the drug and later warned: "I consider it my duty to attract attention to the terrible effects of this new substance I called morphium in order that calamity may be averted".

‎With the invention of the hypodermic needle in the 1850s, morphine could be injected directly into the bloodstream, producing rapid and profound pain relief and its popularity exploded.it was considered a wonder drug -effective, fast acting and indispensable.

‎But behind the relief lurked a dark truth. Morphine is highly addictive. What doctors once praised for its benefits soon revealed a growing toll. 

‎By the late 1800s, thousands of soldiers returned from war addicted to morphine, suffering from what was then called " Soldier's Disease". When the legal and medical worlds began responding to the addiction crisis, doctors grew cautious, patients became wary and the era of over reliance was ending.

‎Though it no longer dominates the pharmacy shelf, morphine has not disappeared, it is now prescribed under strict medical supervision and typically only after non opioid alternatives have failed.

‎Morphine holds a unique place in the history of medicine —the first modern painkiller, a true pioneer. It gave relief to millions but also brought the dangers of uncontrolled drug use into the spotlight.

‎Its rise and fall is a lesson that the most powerful solutions are to be used with caution. Morphine is no longer a daily tonic but a specialized tool—strong, but handled with the respect it now commands.


Aisha Abubakar is a 400-level pharmacy undergraduate at Bayero University Kano (BUK). Passionate about learning, writing, public speaking, and healthcare, she is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in the field of medicine. Aisha is working towards becoming a successful pharmacist and values activities that bring her fulfillment and purpose. She's currently a member of the editorial board of Bayero University Kano 2024/25 session.