Pethidine for pain relief

About pethidine

Pethidine is a strong opioid painkiller that is used to treat severe pain, particularly during labour and childbirth, as its effects are shorter-lasting than some of the others.

Pethidine works by acting on the brain and nervous system to reduce how strongly your body feels pain. It also helps you feel more relaxed and drowsy, which can make pain easier to cope with.

Pethidine does not remove the cause of pain, but it changes how pain signals are processed, making the pain feel less severe.

It can be taken by mouth as a tablet, but during labour it is more usually given as an injection.

Common side effects of pethidine include:

• Sentindo-se mal.

• Vomitar (vômito).

• Sentir-se tonto.

• Sentindo-se sonolento ou com sono.

• Dor de cabeça.

• Constipação.

Você encontrará uma lista completa na bula do fabricante fornecida com o seu medicamento.

Os efeitos indesejados muitas vezes melhoram à medida que seu corpo se ajusta ao novo medicamento, mas fale com seu médico ou farmacêutico se algum efeito colateral persistir ou se tornar problemático.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before taking pethidine it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant (other than during labour) or breastfeeding.

• Se você tiver problemas no fígado ou nos rins.

• Se você tiver problemas de próstata ou qualquer dificuldade para urinar.

• If you have any breathing problems, such as asma ou doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC).

• If you have been told you have low blood pressure (hypotension).

• Se você tiver algum problema com sua tireoide ou glândulas suprarrenais.

• Se você tem epilepsia.

• If you have a problem with your bile duct.

• Se você está constipado há mais de uma semana ou tem um problema inflamatório intestinal.

• If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called miastenia gravis.

• Se você teve uma lesão grave na cabeça recentemente.

• Se você já foi dependente de drogas ou álcool.

• Se você já teve uma reação alérgica a um medicamento.

• Se você estiver tomando outros medicamentos. Isso inclui quaisquer medicamentos que você esteja tomando e que estejam disponíveis para compra sem receita médica, bem como medicamentos fitoterápicos e complementares.

• Read the leaflet inside the pack if you are given one. It explains pethidine and possible side effects.

• Pethidine injections are given by a doctor or nurse, either under the skin or into a muscle.

• During labour, injections can be repeated every few hours if needed.

• For other pain (such as after surgery), injections are usually given every 4 hours if needed.

• Pethidine tablets should be taken exactly as your doctor tells you. The usual dose is 1 to 3 tablets, no more often than every 4 hours.

• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, then continue as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

• Ask your doctor about alcohol. You may be advised not to drink alcohol for a while after having pethidine, as alcohol can increase side effects like dizziness and sleepiness.

• Pethidine can affect driving. Do not drive if you feel drowsy, dizzy, or your reactions are slowed. It is an offence to drive if your ability is impaired.

• If you do drive, carry proof that pethidine has been prescribed for you, such as a prescription slip or patient information leaflet.

• If travelling abroad with pethidine, carry a letter from your doctor, as it is a controlled medicine and may be restricted in some countries.

• Pethidine is only given for a short time. Taking it repeatedly over a longer period can lead to dependence.

• Stopping pethidine after regular use can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as restlessness or irritability.

• This is not a concern if you receive one or two doses during labour.

• Mantenha todos os medicamentos fora do alcance e da vista das crianças.

• Armazene em local fresco e seco, longe de calor e luz diretos.

How long does it take for pethidine to work?

Pethidine usually starts to work within 10 to 20 minutes when given by injection. Pain relief typically lasts for 2 to 4 hours. The exact timing can vary depending on the dose and the individual.

Does pethidine slow down labour?

Pethidine can slow down labour in some women, particularly if it is given early in labour. It may reduce the strength or frequency of contractions for a short time.

For this reason, it is usually given when labour is more established and is carefully monitored by midwives and doctors.

When is pethidine usually given?

Pethidine is usually given during labour to help manage moderate to severe pain. It is usually given as an injection into your thigh or bottom.