In the early 20th century, Pond’s medicated tampons were reportedly infused with opium, belladonna, and hyoscyamus to help relieve menstrual pain. This historical example is preserved at the Pharmacy Museum in New Orleans. Products like these came from an era when powerful drugs could be purchased and prescribed with far fewer restrictions than exist today. Opium was widely used as a painkiller, while belladonna and hyoscyamus were valued for their ability to ease muscle spasms and pain. For women experiencing severe menstrual cramps or other gynecological problems, medicated vaginal suppositories and tampons provided a way to deliver drugs directly to the affected area. The method itself was not unusual for the time. What stands out today is the combination of ingredients. All three substances could be dangerous. Opium contains addictive narcotic compounds, while belladonna and hyoscyamus contain chemicals such as atropine and scopolamine that can become toxic in high doses. Side effects could include confusion, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat and, in severe cases, death. These remedies existed during a transitional period in American medicine, before pharmaceuticals were regulated and tested according to modern standards. The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 introduced greater transparency around certain dangerous and addictive ingredients, but comprehensive federal drug regulation developed gradually over the following decades. Before 1906, medicines containing opium, cocaine and other narcotics could often be sold in the United States without the detailed ingredient labeling consumers expect today.(Historic Vids)