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HistorySurprise 5/5Difficulty 4/5Reviewed on September 17, 2026

Heroin was originally marketed as a cough syrup intended for children.

Why it is true

The Bayer company launched diacetylmorphine in the late nineteenth century as a non-addictive cough suppressant and asthma treatment, before its effects were known.

Source: Pharmaceutical History

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