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Laudanum (pronounced /[ch712]l[ch596][ch720]d([ch601])n[ch601]m/) (laudanum liquidum simplex), also known as opium tincture or thebaic tincture is an alcoholic herbal preparation of opium. It is made by combining ethanol with opium latex or powder. Laudanum contains almost all of the opium alkaloids, including morphine and codeine. A potent narcotic by virtue of its high morphine concentration, laudanum was historically used to treat a variety of ailments, but its principal use was as an analgesic and antitussive. Until the early 20th century, laudanum was sold without a prescription and was a constituent of many patent medicines. Today, the manufacture, distribution and use of laudanum are strictly regulated. Contrary to popular belief, laudanum is available by prescription in the United States and the United Kingdom, although the drug's medicinal uses are generally confined to controlling diarrhea, alleviating pain, and easing withdrawal symptoms in infants who were born to mothers addicted to heroin or other opioids. While the terms "laudanum" and "tincture of opium" are generally interchangeable, in contemporary medical practice, the latter is used almost exclusively.