Final answer:
The potent drug derived from opium for pain control is morphine, which is used extensively in medical settings for severe pain management. Codeine, another natural opiate with less potency, is used for milder pain and as a cough suppressant.
Step-by-step explanation:
The potent drug used for pain control that was derived from opium is morphine. Morphine, alongside codeine, is a natural opioid obtained from the opium poppy. These substances are known for their powerful analgesic, or pain-relieving, properties. Morphine is the primary painkilling constituent in opium, comprising about 10% of the crude extract and is commonly used in medical settings for severe pain, often before and after surgeries. On the other hand, codeine has a lower potency and is frequently utilized for milder pain, sometimes in combination with other non-opioid pain relievers or as a cough suppressant.
Opioids work by binding to specific receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract, altering the perception of pain. They mimic the painkilling mechanism of endogenous opioids produced by the human body. However, due to their high potential for abuse, opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone are subject to strict regulations.